Leopard Spotted on CCTV in South Bengaluru Residential Area

Residents of south Bengaluru were left alarmed after CCTV footage captured a lone leopard calmly walking along a dimly lit residential stretch in Anjanapura 7th Block near JP Nagar 9th Phase late Monday night. The video, which has since circulated widely on local community groups and social media, shows the animal strolling unhurriedly across the road before disappearing into a darker stretch of the neighborhood.

Multiple news agencies confirm the incident, noting the leopard likely strayed from Bannerghatta National Park, about 20 km away, with no attacks reported but forest officials urging caution and vigilance in the area.

This sighting underscores Bengaluru's rising human-wildlife conflicts, driven by urban sprawl encroaching on leopard habitats; a 2023 Wildlife Institute of India study estimates over 100 leopards roam the city's fringes, adapting to nocturnal urban foraging amid habitat loss.

Wildlife experts note that leopard sightings in Bengaluru’s southern suburbs have increased in recent years due to expanding urban boundaries overlapping with natural habitats. They stress that such animals typically avoid human confrontation and move away when undisturbed.

No injuries or confrontations were reported as of Tuesday morning. Forest authorities said patrols will continue through the night until the animal’s movement pattern is confirmed.