Bengaluru: A leopard sighting in Turahalli Forest has once again triggered fear among residents, as photographs of a leopard with two cubs sitting on a rocky outcrop in Turvekere forest zone near Kanakapura Road went viral. The pictures were reportedly captured by nearby apartment residents, raising fresh safety concerns in the surrounding localities.
This is not the first time a leopard has been seen here — residents recall spotting one two to three months ago in the same forest area. With apartment communities and children’s play areas located close to the forest boundary, locals fear leopards and other wild animals like deer and wild boars could easily wander into residential zones, especially after parts of the forest compound wall collapsed.
Speaking to media, residents stressed the need for urgent measures:
- “Children play here every day and people come for morning walks. Since the compound wall has fallen, there is every chance of leopards entering in search of prey,” said a local resident.
- “We have submitted a request to the authorities. The existing four-foot wall is too low. It must be repaired and heightened immediately for public safety,” added another.
The collapsed wall near Durga Layout and Nanjappa Layout has deepened the anxiety among residents, who insist that the Forest Department must rebuild and strengthen the compound walls to prevent further animal movement into human habitation.
For now, the Turahalli leopard sighting highlights the urgent need for improved urban-wildlife management, forest safety measures, and stronger barriers around forest peripheries to protect both residents and wildlife.