Leopard Caught on CCTV Dragging Dog in Pune’s Ambegaon Taluka- Fresh Fears Over Man-Animal Conflict

Leopard Caught on CCTV Dragging Dog in Pune’s Ambegaon Taluka -Fresh Fears Over Man-Animal Conflict

Pune | 26 February 2026: A chilling CCTV clip from Ambegaon Taluka in Maharashtra’s Pune district has reignited concerns over rising human-wildlife conflict after a leopard was captured on camera dragging away a stray dog from a residential area. The incident, which reportedly took place in the early hours of the morning, has left villagers anxious and prompted calls for stronger monitoring and forest department intervention.

The footage shows three dogs resting along a quiet roadside in a village pocket when the leopard silently approaches from nearby vegetation. Within seconds, the big cat lunges at one of the dogs and drags it into the darkness, while another dog manages to escape and is seen barking frantically. The swift and calculated movement of the predator highlights the adaptability of leopards in navigating human-dominated landscapes, particularly during nighttime hours.

Fortunately, no human injuries were reported in the incident. However, the event has intensified fears among residents living near agricultural fields and forested zones. Villagers have expressed concerns about the safety of children, elderly residents, and livestock, especially during early morning and late evening hours when leopard movement is typically higher.

Wildlife experts explain that leopards are highly adaptable predators capable of surviving in close proximity to human settlements. In regions like Ambegaon Taluka and neighbouring rural belts, sugarcane fields, orchards, and fragmented forest patches often provide adequate cover for these animals. Stray dogs and small livestock become easy prey, drawing leopards closer to villages in search of food.

In recent years, parts of Pune district have reported intermittent leopard sightings, particularly in talukas bordering forested terrain. Officials from the forest department are believed to be monitoring the situation and assessing leopard movement in the affected area. Increased patrolling and awareness drives are often initiated following such incidents to reduce panic and prevent risky human behavior.

Residents have urged authorities to install additional CCTV cameras, conduct night patrols, and, if necessary, deploy cages or tranquilization teams should leopard activity increase. At the same time, conservationists caution against knee-jerk reactions such as indiscriminate trapping or relocation. They emphasize that sustainable solutions lie in long-term habitat management, community education, and proper waste disposal practices that do not attract stray animals.

Experts also recommend precautionary measures for residents in vulnerable zones, including avoiding outdoor movement during late-night hours, ensuring livestock are secured in enclosed sheds, and discouraging children from venturing alone into fields or wooded areas. Eliminating open garbage dumping and reducing stray dog populations through sterilization programs can also help minimize attractants for wild predators.

The incident once again underscores the delicate balance between expanding human settlements and wildlife habitats. As towns and villages continue to grow into previously forested areas, encounters with animals such as leopards may become more frequent. Addressing this issue requires coordination between local communities, forest authorities, and conservation groups to ensure both human safety and wildlife protection.

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