Panic gripped residents of Bharat Nagar in north Bengaluru after a leopard was spotted roaming through the locality during the early hours. CCTV footage capturing the animal moving calmly along residential streets quickly circulated on social media, raising concerns among people living in the area.
Soon after receiving information about the sighting, Karnataka Forest Department officials rushed to the locality and launched a search operation. Teams have been combing the neighbourhood, monitoring CCTV footage, and tracking the leopard's movement to ensure public safety.
As a precaution, authorities have advised residents to remain indoors during late-night and early morning hours, avoid isolated areas, and keep children and pets inside until the animal is safely located. People have also been urged to immediately inform forest officials if the leopard is seen again.
Officials said no injuries or attacks have been reported so far. The focus remains on tracing and safely capturing the animal without causing harm to either the leopard or the public.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict around Bengaluru. Experts attribute the increasing number of leopard sightings to rapid urban expansion and shrinking natural habitats, which often force wild animals to venture into residential areas in search of food or safe passage.
