Bengaluru: Panic spread across BEL Layout and Bharat Nagar in west Bengaluru after a leopard was spotted roaming through residential streets in the early hours of Thursday, prompting a large-scale search operation by the Forest Department.

The big cat was first seen at around 3.50 am and again at 4.30 am, with its movements captured on CCTV cameras. The sighting alarmed residents, particularly those out for their morning walks.

Residents alert police after leopard sighting

According to residents, the leopard came dangerously close to a park frequented by morning walkers.

A resident returning home after a late-night work shift said he initially mistook the animal for a stray dog before realising it was a leopard.

“It jumped over a fence, paused briefly in the middle of the road and then entered the neighbourhood park. I immediately alerted the police control room,” the resident said.

Police personnel from Byadarahalli rushed to the area and examined CCTV footage, which showed the animal moving towards a nearby stretch of dense vegetation.

Forest teams launch combing operation

Following the alert, the Forest Department deployed teams of watchers and guards to trace the leopard. However, officials said the search operation could not locate the animal during the day.

Range Forest Officer Shivappa Hosamani said tracking was difficult because of dense vegetation and tall grass, making it hard to identify pug marks.

“We have placed nets at strategic locations, and the search operation is continuing,” he said.

Leopard may have returned to nearby forest

Forest officials suspect the leopard may have strayed from the Turahalli Forest, located around 2–3 km from the residential area. They believe the animal may have returned to the forest after passing through the locality.

Authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant, avoid venturing into isolated areas during early morning or late-night hours, and immediately inform the Forest Department or police if the leopard is spotted again#Bengaluru #Leopard #Wildlife #ForestDepartment #Karnataka #NewsKarnataka