Forest Department continues search after sixth leopard sighting in West Bengaluru as residents demand faster action
A leopard was sighted again in Bengaluru's Byadarahalli area at around 3 am on July 30, marking the sixth sighting in July. The Forest Department has intensified its search operation, while residents of Byadarahalli, Bharat Nagar and Yeshwanthpur have raised concerns over repeated appearances of the animal despite multiple capture attempts.
Bengaluru: A leopard was spotted once again in Bengaluru's Byadarahalli area during the early hours of Thursday, marking the sixth reported sighting of the animal in July. The latest sighting, reported at around 3 am, has renewed concerns among residents of Byadarahalli, Bharat Nagar and Yeshwanthpur, where the animal has repeatedly entered residential neighbourhoods over the past three weeks.
The Karnataka Forest Department has continued its search operation, but the leopard remains uncaptured despite deploying traps and surveillance measures across the affected localities.
Leopard Spotted Again in Byadarahalli
Residents reported seeing the lone leopard moving through a residential street at around 3 am on Thursday. The repeated sightings have prompted concerns among local residents, many of whom have questioned the effectiveness of the ongoing search operation.
Forest officials had earlier installed capture cages with live bait in an attempt to trap the animal. However, the leopard has so far avoided entering the traps.
"Residents have urged the Forest Department to strengthen monitoring and capture operations following repeated sightings in the area."
Forest Department Continues Search Operation
The Forest Department has deployed tracking teams in and around Byadarahalli, Bharat Nagar and Yeshwanthpur. Officials are monitoring CCTV footage, conducting combing operations and maintaining surveillance in areas where the leopard has previously been seen.
The animal is believed to be moving through vacant plots, scrub vegetation and rocky terrain surrounding the residential layouts, making tracking operations challenging.
Timeline of Leopard Sightings in West Bengaluru
The leopard has been sighted multiple times during July:
- July 9: The animal was first captured on CCTV cameras between 3:50 am and 4:30 am in Bharat Nagar and BEL Layout. It later entered a park, causing morning walkers to leave the area before being seen crossing Magadi Main Road.
- July 10: The leopard was recorded crossing a residential road in Bharat Nagar, prompting the Forest Department and local police to begin tracking and combing operations.
- July 19: CCTV cameras on 13th Main Road, Bharat Nagar, captured the leopard attempting to attack a stray dog at around 2:24 am. The dog escaped and the leopard moved into nearby vegetation.
- July 20–21: Another sighting was reported within the Yeshwanthpur Assembly constituency limits, leading forest officials to deploy capture cages with live bait at identified locations.
- July 30: The sixth sighting occurred at approximately 3 am in Byadarahalli, where the leopard was again seen moving through a residential street.
Why Is the Leopard Entering Residential Areas?
Wildlife officials and experts attribute the repeated sightings to the area's proximity to natural leopard habitat along the Magadi Road and NICE Road corridor.
The region contains rocky terrain, scrub forests and undeveloped land that provide movement corridors for wildlife. The presence of stray dogs in residential layouts is also considered a factor that may attract leopards into urban neighbourhoods.
Safety Advisory for Bengaluru Residents
The Forest Department has advised residents living in Byadarahalli, Bharat Nagar, BEL Layout and surrounding areas to remain cautious, particularly during night and early morning hours.
Residents have been advised to:
- Avoid walking alone between 10 pm and 5 am.
- Keep children and pets indoors after dark.
- Ensure residential surroundings are well-lit.
- Avoid approaching or attempting to photograph the leopard.
- Immediately report any sighting to the Forest Department or the police with the exact location and time.
"People should maintain a safe distance from the animal and immediately inform authorities instead of attempting to approach or chase it."
Search Operation Continues
The Karnataka Forest Department has stated that monitoring and search operations will continue until the leopard is safely captured. Officials are using CCTV surveillance, tracking teams and capture cages while urging residents to cooperate by reporting sightings promptly.
