A leopard, aged around 9 years, was found dead near the Mysuru-Hunsur highway on Saturday.
The animal is suspected to have died last night. It was initially thought that it was hit by a speeding vehicle as the carcass was found next to the highway at Hullenahalli Gate near Bilikere, about 30 km from Mysuru.
Assistant Conservator of Forests Mr. Balachandar said that though the post-mortem was conducted, the cause of death was yet to be ascertained.
This is the second such incident reported from the district this week. Another leopard was found dead in an agricultural field at Varakodu about 15 km from the city on Wednesday.
Mysuru district is an ideal habitat for leopards as the region is flanked by national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, in addition to a vast hinterland of shrub vegetation, scrub forests and agricultural fields.
The Forest Department have trapped and relocated 18 leopards in the four taluks of the district during the last two years. With growing urbanisation and expanding human habitat, the natural habitat of the wild cats is being disturbed, bringing them into conflict with humans.
