Leopard with cubs spotted around Bengaluru's Banashankari area, forest officials on high alert

Bengaluru forest officials are investigating sightings, urging residents to stay calm and not interfere with the wildlife.

Updated on: Jan 13, 2025, 22:50:27 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A leopard and its cubs were recently spotted roaming at Bengaluru's Banashankari 6th Stage, causing alarm among local residents. The leopards and cubs were reportedly captured on CCTV cameras of an apartment complex and by residents on their mobile phones. The leopard is believed to have strayed from the nearby Turahalli Forest, which borders the residential area.

Leopard sighting triggered a panic among Bengaluru residents once again. (Pic for representation) (Screengrab YouTube/@Latest Sightings)

Also Read - Centre betrays Karnataka by meagre allocation of funds: CM Siddaramaiah

Speaking to The New Indian Express, the Assistant Conservator of Forests Ravindra clarified that the authorities are alerted about the sightings, "We haven't received any photographic or CCTV proof confirming the sighting of a leopard with cubs. However, based on the images that are in circulation, our team is actively investigating the area. About two weeks ago, a male leopard was seen resting on a rock in Turahalli Forest, visible from an apartment window."

A forest official on-site advised residents to remain calm and avoid disturbing the animals if they come across a leopard with cubs. "The leopards are likely to return to the forest on their own. We urge people not to handle the cubs or leave any human scent on them. Our team is searching for pug marks and other evidence in the area," the official told the publication.

Also Read - Bengaluru: 12-year-old vedic student ran over by a truck on his birthday, died on spot: Report

Earlier, a leopard was sighted on the Infosys campus in Mysuru. As a precaution, Infosys instructed its employees to work from home for the day. The sighting also impacted approximately 4,000 trainees at the Infosys Global Education Centre in Mysuru. Trainees were advised to remain indoors, leading to the postponement of all training sessions, assessments, and induction programs for the day.

The Banashankari area which is surrounded by forest often experiences leopard sightings due to rapid urbanisation around the area. The forest officials are always on high alert as leopards are frequently spotted by the people living in surrounding apartments.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated Bengaluru Weather Live and with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Bengaluru. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and more across India . Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.