An adult male leopard was found dead after being electrocuted on an Eskom distribution line in the Nuy area near Worcester, sparking fresh concern about the risks power infrastructure can pose to wildlife.

What Happened Near Worcester

According to reports, the incident happened on Friday, 23 January 2026. A landowner reportedly noticed a power outage and later discovered the leopard on the line, prompting a rapid response involving CapeNature and the Breederiver-Rooiberg Conservancy.

Officials documented evidence at the scene suggesting the leopard had climbed a wooden electricity pole shortly before it died. Fresh claw marks on the pole and disturbed sand at its base pointed to a struggle.

What Investigators Found

The leopard was estimated to be between five and eight years old and weighed 34.3 kg. It was assessed to be in excellent physical condition before the incident.

It is reported that burn injuries were consistent with high-voltage electrocution.

Conservation staff believe the leopard may have been trying to escape a perceived threat, possibly another leopard or a nearby baboon troop, when it climbed the structure.

Response on the Ground

Once the power line was safely de-energised, the carcass was removed with assistance from Eskom technicians and conservation partners. Tissue samples and morphological data were collected for scientific purposes, and the specimen was preserved to support ongoing research and conservation planning.