Leopards Spotted In Bengaluru: Forest Officials Confirm the Presence of Two Big Cats

Over the past few days, two leopards have been spotted in the Bengaluru Urban Range, particularly in the North sub-division. Forest officials have confirmed the presence of these big cats in the Shivakotte Gram Panchayat area and surrounding villages.

Shivappa Hossamani, Range Forest Officer for Bengaluru Urban, shared that authorities are actively monitoring the leopards' movements. He urged residents to stay vigilant and informed the public about awareness programs aimed at educating locals on safety precautions. "We've also brought in experts to guide residents on how to react if they encounter a leopard," Hossamani added.

The forest department has ramped up night patrols and set up traps to capture the leopards in an effort to ensure public safety. However, despite these efforts, the animals have remained elusive so far.

A video that has circulated widely in local WhatsApp groups shows two leopards roaming near Ramagondanahalli. Additionally, surveillance footage from a residential complex captured the big cats near a parking lot on the night of January 23.

In another development, a recent leopard sighting in Electronics City sparked concern. However, after an investigation, officials clarified that the animal spotted was a wild cat, not a leopard.

The forest department continues its efforts to capture the leopards while maintaining vigilance and safety measures in the area.

Leopard Sightings and Captures: Rising Concerns Over Human-Wildlife Encounters

Recent leopard sightings and the growing number of human-wildlife encounters highlight a pressing issue in urban-fringe areas. In Mysuru, a leopard was spotted once again on the Infosys campus, raising concerns about safety. Meanwhile, Mysuru is set to become home to India's largest leopard rescue and rehabilitation center, a significant step towards wildlife conservation and ensuring public safety in such areas.

A tragic incident in November 2024 further amplified these concerns 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. In response, authorities have set up 15 cages in the area to capture the animal and prevent further attacks.

Earlier, in October 2024, residents of Hunasamaranahalli in Bengaluru alerted Yelahanka forest officials after a viral video emerged, showing a leopard roaming near the Yelahanka airbase. The sighting prompted an immediate response from forest officials.

In September 2024, a leopard that had been terrorizing Bengaluru's Electronic City was captured after several weeks of monitoring it through CCTV footage. The animal had caused fear among residents and IT employees, and authorities intensified their efforts following additional sightings near the Electronic City helipad. The animal found refuge in the isolated location, and officials have been using bait to capture it.