Around 15 deaths have so far been reported from Agrapatana, Talawakele, Kotagala, Watawala, Hatton, Norwood and Bogawantalawa areas.

People suspect they have been poisoned by racketeers as there is a big demand for leopard skins.

However, wildlife officers say they take custody of dead leopards soon after they were informed.

As a solution, people of the area hope authorities will take measures to drive these leopards away into the jungles.