Leopard Spotted In Bengaluru: Big Cat And Cubs Appear On CCTV In Banashankari

Residents of Banashankari 6th Stage in Bengaluru have been on edge following confirmed sightings of a leopard along with its cubs in the vicinity. Captured on CCTV cameras and by eyewitness videos, these sightings have escalated concerns within the community, casting a shadow of fear especially during the post-sunset hours. The local populace believes these wild visitors have ventured from the adjacent Turahalli Forest, which skirts the residential areas, leading to an uneasy coexistence between urban spaces and wildlife.

Prakash RM, one of the local residents, expressed his initial skepticism turned fear, stating, "I didn't believe it until I saw the CCTV footage. Now, I am scared to go around the area after sunset." This sentiment reflects the broader apprehension plaguing the community, compelling them to adjust their routines to avoid potential encounters with the leopard family.

The Banashankari 6th Stage Resident Welfare Association has taken proactive steps by alerting the Kaggalipura Forest Division about the leopard and its cubs' presence. TS Mahesha, the president of the association, highlighted that it's not uncommon for leopards to roam into residential areas from the forest before making their way back. He mentioned, "Leopards frequently venture into the residential area before returning to the forest. We've raised concerns with the authorities."

Responding to the situation, Assistant Conservator of Forest Ravindra shared, "We haven't yet confirmed any photographic or CCTV evidence of a leopard with cubs, but we are investigating." His statement acknowledges the community's concerns while also noting a recent sighting of a male leopard in the Turahalli Forest, recorded approximately two weeks ago. This suggests an active presence of leopards in the vicinity, adding layers to the wildlife management challenges facing the area.

To mitigate panic and ensure safety, forest officials have advised residents to remain calm and not disturb the leopards, especially the cubs. An official remarked, "The leopards will return to the forest on their own," emphasizing the importance of coexistence and minimal human interference with wildlife. This advice is part of broader efforts to manage the situation responsibly, ensuring the safety of both the residents and the wild inhabitants of the area.

Leopard sightings and captures

In a related development highlighting the growing concern over leopard-human encounters, it was reported that a leopard was spotted again on the Infosys campus in Mysuru. Additionally, Mysuru is set to be the location for India's largest leopard rescue and rehabilitation center, indicating a significant step towards addressing wildlife conservation and safety issues in urban-fringe areas.

In November 2024, a tragic incident occurred when a 48-year-old woman was mauled to death by a leopard while returning home from the fields in Nelamangala taluk, Bengaluru Rural district. To prevent further attacks, authorities installed 15 cages in and around the area to catch the animal.

Earlier, in October 2024, residents of Hunasamaranahalli in Bengaluru alerted Yelahanka forest officials about a leopard spotted near the Yelahanka airbase after a viral video surfaced, allegedly showing the big cat roaming the area.

In September 2024, a leopard that had been roaming Bengaluru's Electronic City, instilling fear among residents and IT employees, was finally captured after being monitored through CCTV footage. More recently, the forest department intensified its operations following multiple sightings of the leopard near the Electronic City helipad. The isolated location provided the perfect hiding spot for the animal, and officials have been using bait to lure it into traps for capture.