Leopard Sighting in Pune’s Keshav Nagar Sparks Alert; Forest Teams Deploy Drones, Trap Cameras

Leopard sightings Pune in Keshav Nagar and nearby Kumbharwada prompt forest department search ops, safety alerts for Pune residents and heightened vigilance in Mundhwa.

Pune, December 20 2025: Residents of Pune’s Keshav Nagar and adjoining Mundhwa areas have been advised to remain alert after a leopard was spotted moving close to residential societies, triggering concern and a swift response from the Forest Department and local authorities. The sighting, captured on CCTV cameras during early morning hours, has once again highlighted the growing interface between expanding urban settlements and nearby wildlife habitats.

The initial sighting occurred when CCTV footage showed a leopard roaming near housing complexes in Keshav Nagar. Following verification of the footage, forest officials launched a coordinated search operation across the locality and surrounding green patches. Teams were deployed on the ground to track movement patterns, while residents were cautioned against venturing outdoors alone during late night and early morning hours, when big cats are typically active.

Within a day, additional movement was reported in nearby areas, increasing vigilance across Mundhwa and surrounding pockets. Forest officials believe the animal may be using natural corridors such as vegetation patches, open drains, and riverbanks to move through urban areas while avoiding human activity. Such pathways often allow wildlife to navigate city edges unnoticed until they stray close to residential zones.

To strengthen monitoring, the Forest Department installed trap cameras at strategic locations and deployed thermal drones to scan dense vegetation, rooftops, and poorly lit areas. Officials said the use of technology helps track the animal’s presence without disturbing it, reducing panic and preventing unnecessary confrontation. CCTV footage from multiple housing societies is also being reviewed to establish the leopard’s movement timeline and likely exit routes.

Authorities have emphasised that while sightings can be alarming, leopards generally avoid human contact and move away once they sense activity. Residents have been urged to follow basic safety measures such as keeping children indoors during low-visibility hours, securing pets, avoiding isolated pathways, and immediately reporting any sightings to the forest control room. Officials have also discouraged crowding or attempting to photograph the animal, warning that such behaviour can provoke stress and unpredictable movement.

Urban wildlife experts point out that leopard sightings in Pune are not entirely new. Over the years, similar incidents have been reported near river corridors, hill slopes, and green buffers bordering residential zones. Rapid urbanisation, shrinking forest edges, and increased availability of stray animals as prey often push leopards to explore city fringes, particularly at night. Experts stress that such encounters underline the need for better urban planning that respects ecological corridors.

Local residents have expressed a mix of anxiety and appreciation for the prompt response by authorities. Housing societies have increased night vigilance, limited outdoor movement after dark, and circulated helpline numbers among residents. Many residents acknowledged that timely communication and visible monitoring have helped reduce panic, even as caution remains high.

Forest officials clarified that the objective of the operation is not to capture the animal unless absolutely necessary. Instead, efforts are focused on guiding it back toward safer forested areas using monitoring, controlled movement, and minimal human interference. Officials added that unnecessary capture can disorient wildlife and increase conflict in other locations.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune