WORCESTER – The Landmark Foundation has confirmed that it suspects no human foul play in the death of an adult male leopard that was electrocuted and found hanging from an electric pole in the Nuy Valley near Worcester.
The incident occurred on Friday, 23 January and adds to growing concern following a particularly devastating 2025 for leopards in the Western Cape.
In a statement the foundation said it was alerted to the leopard’s death after a short circuit in the electricity supply was reported overnight in the area. Although no clear animal tracks could be identified investigators noted signs of a scuffle at the base of the electrical pole.
According to the Landmark Foundation’s general manager Bool Smuts the evidence suggests that the leopard attempted to climb the pole and was electrocuted in the process. Smuts said that while this is not the first time leopards have died as a result of electrocution, it remains a highly unusual occurrence.
“It remains unclear why the leopard tried to scale the pole. The foundation suspects the animal may have been pursuing prey, another territorial leopard or may have been involved in a confrontation with a caracal which ultimately led to its tragic death,” Smuts said.
The leopard was confirmed to be a healthy adult male.
“He had no other injuries apart from an entry and exit wound which is common in electrocution incidents. His jaw was still stuck to the pole hence we ruled out any human foul play,” Smuts added.
He said genetic samples will be collected along with additional morphological data to support ongoing research and conservation monitoring.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the increasing risks faced by leopards in landscapes shaped by expanding human infrastructure and has renewed calls for greater awareness and protection of the species in the Western Cape.
According to Smuts the foundation recorded at least five separate leopard deaths in the Western Cape last year. He said the province is estimated to have around 500 adult leopards.
