Leopard spotted in Shimla residential area

CCTV footage captures leopard climbing to second-floor apartment, sparking panic among local residents.

Panic gripped the residential area of Navbahar near Sanjauli in Shimla after a leopard was caught on camera prowling through a housing complex and ascending to the upper floors of a building.

A leopard was caught on camera navigating a staircase to the second floor of a building with ease in the Navbahar area of Shimla on Wednesday night. (CCTV grab)

The CCTV footage, which surfaced early on Thursday, shows the leopard navigating a staircase to the second floor with ease.

While no attacks have been reported, the incident has raised concerns regarding the frequent straying of leopards into the state capital’s suburban fringes.

Experts suggest that the availability of easy prey, such as stray dogs, often draws these big cats from the surrounding deodar forests into human settlements.

While the Himachal Pradesh wildlife department did not receive any complaint, authorities have issued a high alert for the area, advising residents to keep children and pets indoors after sunset and to ensure that all entry points to their homes are securely fastened.

Wildlife emergency helplines

Wildlife division, Shimla (DFO) 0177-2623412

Wildlife wing HQ (Talland) 0177-2624186 / 2623147

State Disaster Management (SDMA) 1070 / 1077

Shimla Police Control Room 112 / 0177-2621714

Chief minister’s Seva Sankalp 1100