The feline apparently fell into the well near Badamalhara village while trying to quench its thirst late last evening, Badamalhara Forest Ranger A K Tiwari said.
The villagers pulled out the big cat from the well and when they found it to be dead, they informed the forest officials about it.
The forest officials seized the carcass and conducted an autopsy today, Tiwari said, adding that preliminary investigations do not suggest any foul play into the carnivore's death.