Leopard Spotted in Bengaluru: CCTV Footage Shows Big Cat Near Apartments In JP Nagar

A leopard sighting near Anjanapura 7th Block, close to JP Nagar 9th Phase in south Bengaluru, has triggered anxiety among local residents. The big cat was reportedly seen roaming near residential apartments in the early hours of February 2, after CCTV footage circulated on WhatsApp groups warning residents to stay alert and prompting precautionary advisories across nearby neighbourhoods.

Leopard Sighting Around 2:10 am in Anjanapura

According to information shared by residents, the leopard was seen at around 2:10 am on February 2 on the road near Site No. 441 in Anjanapura 7th Block.

The locality lies just south and west of JP Nagar 9th Phase and falls under Lal Bahadur Shastri Nagar, Bengaluru. The area is close to prominent landmarks such as the Anjanapura BDA Office and the 80 Feet Road extension. People living in nearby apartments and independent houses have been urged to remain cautious.

Advisory Issued for Residents Near JP Nagar 9th Phase

Local alerts circulated among residents advise people to be extremely cautious and vigilant, particularly during dawn and dusk, when leopard movement is more likely.

Residents have been asked to:

• Avoid stepping out alone late at night or early morning
• Keep children and pets indoors and under supervision
• Ensure gates and compound walls are properly secured
• Share verified information with neighbours and resident welfare associations
• Officials have stressed that awareness is important, but panic should be avoided.

Earlier Leopard Sightings in North Bengaluru Raise Wider Concerns

The south Bengaluru alert comes amid continued reports of leopard movement in north Bengaluru as well.

In 2025, two leopards were caught on CCTV near a house in the Hesaraghatta-Yelahanka region. The CCTV footage showed the animals walking past a parked two-wheeler outside a gated property at night. No injuries were reported, and the gate of the house remained locked. Forest officials later confirmed that both animals were still free at the time and asked residents to stay alert while avoiding panic.

Leopard Attacks on Cattle and Pets Reported Around Hesaraghatta

Forest department teams have also confirmed attacks on cattle and pet dogs in villages around Hesaraghatta. Residents of Byatha, Byalekere, Sonnanahalli, Ivarakandapura, and Dasenahalli reported multiple incidents over recent weeks.

Only last month, a leopard killed a cow near the Hesaraghatta Livestock Conservation Centre, intensifying fear and anger among villagers who say livestock losses have increased.

Why Leopard Sightings Are Increasing Around Bengaluru

Forest officials attribute the rise in sightings to habitat pressure along Bengaluru's expanding outskirts. As construction spreads closer to forest patches and green corridors shrink, wild animals are more likely to enter villages and residential layouts.

Officials explain that leopards typically move through human settlements at night while searching for food. Stray dogs, unsecured livestock, and poor waste disposal can further draw them closer to homes.

Besides north Bengaluru, similar movements have also been recorded near forest-adjacent layouts close to Bannerghatta National Park.

Forest Department Steps Up Patrols and Rescue Efforts

Last year, the forest department has intensified night patrols in vulnerable stretches of north Bengaluru and placed traps and cages at key locations. Authorities have urged residents not to approach, provoke, or attempt to chase leopards under any circumstances.

Officials confirmed that three leopards were recently captured and relocated to Bannerghatta Biological Park, while monitoring continues in areas such as Shivakotte Gram Panchayat and surrounding villages.

"A trap has been set near Shivakotte to capture the two leopards. Night patrols have been intensified, and public awareness campaigns are being conducted," said Shivappa Hosamani, Forest Officer, Bengaluru North Division.

Authorities Urge Calm and Vigilance

With leopard movement reported across different parts of Bengaluru, forest officials have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing patrol and rescue operations.

People have been advised to secure livestock at night, avoid poorly lit or isolated areas after dark, dispose of waste responsibly, and report sightings promptly to forest authorities. Officials say patrols will continue until the risk of further conflict is reduced.