Leopard Sighting Confirmed in Bavdhan: Forest Officials Alert Residents After Big-Cat Stray into Suburban Zone
Leopard spotted in Bavdhan late night; Pune Forest Dept confirms sighting, urges vigilance and precautionary measures for residents.
Pune|December 01, 2025: Pune’s Bavdhan area witnessed heightened alertness after the Forest Department confirmed a leopard sighting near the Lantana Gardene locality on Pashan Road. The incident occurred around 12.30 am when a resident spotted the big cat near a residential complex and captured its presence on a mobile phone. The visuals prompted immediate action from forest officials, who quickly reached the area to verify the situation and initiate precautionary measures. After examining the footage and inspecting the site, authorities confirmed that the animal had indeed entered the neighbourhood, likely using the nearby natural corridor connected to the Ramnadi stream.
The Ramnadi belt has long been recognised as an ecological passage linking forested hills, allowing wildlife such as leopards to move between the green zones surrounding NDA, Mulshi and other forest-rich regions. With Bavdhan expanding rapidly over the past decade, several residential and commercial projects have come up along this corridor. As a result, occasional wildlife movements continue to occur, and experts warn that such encounters will rise as natural habitats shrink and animals search for safe pathways.
Following the confirmation, the Forest Department issued an advisory urging residents to remain cautious, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. Citizens have been advised to avoid walking alone at night, ensure children are closely supervised, and keep pets indoors. Households near open plots and green belts have been asked to install adequate lighting and remain alert to unusual sounds or movement. Forest officials and wildlife rescue teams have stepped up patrolling in the area and deployed tracking methods to monitor the leopard’s movement. So far, no additional sightings have been reported, but the area continues to be under observation.
Authorities have also called on citizens to report any further sightings immediately through helpline numbers provided for wildlife emergencies. They emphasised that residents should not attempt to chase, corner or approach the animal under any circumstances. Leopards typically avoid human interaction and tend to retreat when undisturbed; panic or aggressive behaviour from people may provoke unintended conflict. Forest teams have reiterated that the priority is to ensure the safety of both residents and the animal by guiding it back to its natural habitat.
The incident has once again reignited discussions about preserving ecological corridors within the city’s expanding limits. Wildlife experts have stressed the need for planned development that respects natural pathways used by animals. Increasing urbanisation around Pune has resulted in multiple leopard sightings in areas such as Aundh, Pashan, Baner and even near the airport, underscoring the importance of safeguarding green linkages. Maintaining these corridors helps wildlife navigate safely and reduces the chances of human–animal conflict.
Community awareness, responsible waste management, and avoiding the dumping of food waste in open areas are also considered essential steps. Improper waste disposal attracts stray dogs and livestock, which in turn attract predators like leopards. Experts point out that addressing such root causes is critical for long-term coexistence.
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