A leopard in a Bengaluru residential area has managed to avoid capture for the fifth consecutive day, causing concern among residents. The elusive animal has been seen in the Bharath Nagar locality on the city’s outskirts, with efforts to trap it proving unsuccessful. Despite setting up a baited cage, only stray dogs have been caught, highlighting the challenges faced by the Forest Department.
Residents have criticized the authorities for their ineffective response to the repeated leopard sightings. Concerns have been raised about the safety of the community, as the animal continues to venture into residential spaces. Fear has gripped the neighborhood, leading to a decrease in outdoor activities and gatherings in public areas.
Locals, especially children and women, are particularly anxious about the situation. The presence of the leopard has disrupted daily life, prompting the closure of a nearby college and causing residents to demand more proactive measures from the Forest Department. Efforts to track the leopard’s movements using CCTV footage have been suggested to enhance the operation’s effectiveness.
The persistent sightings have not only impacted the community’s daily routines but have also led to demands for increased patrolling and the installation of additional cages. The situation has escalated to the extent that farmers in Chamarajanagar district staged a protest against the Forest Department’s alleged inaction in capturing leopards and tigers encroaching on human habitats. The protesters emphasized the need for immediate action to address the growing human-wildlife conflict.
