The seven-year-old male leopard that fell in a pond and caught in its slush was found dead today.

The leopard that was sighted around Chinnavandisolai near Coonoor for the last two days was caught in a trap that was kept to capture a wild boar in an estate. While escaping from the trap, it hurt its leg and was found limping by the villagers on Saturday.

The animal was found caught in the slush-filled pond, where it had gone to quench its thirst. Villagers immediately alerted the Forest Department officials yesterday evening. The officials kept a cage near the pond and were ready to even tranquilize the animal.

However, no forest official or veterinarian was able to reach the spot on time as they were all deputed to Coimbatore to capture a rogue elephant that was wreaking havoc in the city.

Meanwhile the leopard was found dead this morning by the villagers, who blamed the officials for not reaching on time.