Nanjangud: A five-year-old female leopard, which was caught in a snare meant to catch wild boars and other wild animals, has died.

The incident took place in the agricultural field belonging to one N. Mahesh of Yadahalli village near Mysuru and the agri field is located on the outskirts of Rampura in the taluk.

N. Mahesh had given his agri field on contract to Puttamadashetty and Prasanna of Shirumalli village and the female leopard was found caught in the snare on Friday night.

Villagers, who saw the wild animal struggling and writhing in pain, informed the Forest Department officials. Forest personnel from Nanjangud Range, who reached the spot, tranquillised the wild cat and shifted it to Nanjangud Nursery, where Veterinarian Dr. Mujeeb began treating it, but it succumbed to its injuries on Saturday.

The Forest officials and staff have launched a hunt to nab the accused, who had laid the snare and are absconding.