Pune: Forest Dept Revises Strategy to Capture Clever Leopard Avoiding Traps at Airport
Pune, July 25, 2025: The elusive leopard at Pune International Airport continues to avoid capture despite persistent efforts by the forest department, prompting officials to rethink their strategy. Three months after the big cat was first spotted near the runway, specially-designed trap cages are being deployed in strategic locations to finally apprehend the animal.
The leopard was initially sighted in April, with a viral video showing it resting calmly on the airport’s grassy area. This led to a joint rescue operation by the Pune forest department and RESQ Charitable Trust. Early attempts involved two trap cages and three camera traps, later expanded to nine cameras and dog squads. However, the leopard has remained out of reach, leading officials to suspect it is ‘trap-wise’—possibly having been captured before—and skilled at avoiding conventional methods.
The rescue operation faced a temporary halt in May due to heightened national security during Operation Sindoor, which restricted access to key areas of the airport—a dual-use facility shared with the Indian Air Force. Efforts resumed on May 17 after another confirmed sighting, with nearly five kilometres of the airport cordoned off. Despite thermal drones and multiple surveillance teams, the leopard continues to dodge capture.
Challenges and New Strategies
Deputy Conservator of Forest Mahadev Mohite stated, “We believe this is a fully grown, trap-savvy leopard. Underground tunnels across the airport complicate our efforts. We are redesigning cages to suit this environment.”
Assistant Conservator Mangesh Tate added that the leopard’s movements are being closely monitored. “Pugmarks and occasional camera sightings confirm its presence, but it keeps shifting locations. New cages are being aligned with tunnel openings to improve capture chances.”
Operational Hurdles
The sensitive nature of the airport premises adds complexity. “This isn’t a typical forest rescue. Every move requires coordination with airport authorities,” said Chief Conservator Ashish Thakare.
Neha Panchamia of RESQ Charitable Trust revealed that the leopard is using a stormwater drain network beneath the airport. “Several access points have been blocked, but we can’t seal the entire system due to monsoon flood risks.” Sedation has also been ruled out, as the leopard could retreat into tunnels post-darting, making recovery dangerous.
Officials confirm no injuries or operational disruptions so far. Thakare assured, “Public and animal safety remain our priority. We’re committed to a safe rescue.”
