Leopard sighting in Byadarahalli triggers search operation

Residents of Bharat Nagar in Bydarahalli area panicked after a leopard was spotted crossing the road on Friday evening, prompting an immediate search operation by the police and forest department.

The sighting was first reported by local residents and later confirmed through CCTV footage from the area which captured the leopard moving along a residential road.

Officials warn

After being tipped off, police and forest officials launched a search operation in and around Bharat Nagar, but the leopard seems to have moved out of the locality. However, surveillance has been stepped up in Bharat Nagar and adjoining areas to monitor any further movement and prevent potential human-wildlife conflict.

Residents said the incident was shocking and many said they had never seen a leopard in the neighborhood before. Officials suspect that the animal may have wandered into the area from nearby forested areas or green belt areas.

Preferred habitat

This neighborhood lies near the intersection of Magadi Road and NICE Road. While the sighting of a leopard in a heavily urbanized locality came as a shock to residents, wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi pointed out that the area is dotted with rocky outcrops and scrubby forests, which are the leopards’ preferred habitat.

“Sometimes leopards wander into human habitations; sometimes when they are chasing a dog, they can lose their way and end up in densely populated areas that they don’t otherwise prefer. But Bengaluru certainly has a lot of leopards around. Our estimate alone shows about 35 leopards outside Bannerugalo and around the town of Bangnerughatle with eight leopards.

Pointing to previous leopard sightings at locations near Infosys Campus and Anekal Road, he said such incidents, though rare, were not new.

Published – 11 Jul 2026 22:34 IST