Pune: Night Leopard Safari Trend Alarms Junnar Villages as Forest Officials Step In
Pune: A growing and risky fascination with the night leopard safari has taken hold in several villages of Junnar tehsil, with groups of residents driving out after dark to spot leopards in the wild. The trend, driven largely by social media reels, has raised serious safety concerns among forest officials and wildlife experts.
Growing Popularity of Late-Night Drives
Locals say these outings usually begin after dinner. Youngsters gather with their four-wheelers and head towards sugarcane fields and forest edges known for frequent leopard activity.
Many park near fields, flash their headlights into the darkness and sometimes even chase the animals when they notice eye-shine or movement.
Videos of startled or cornered leopards are circulated widely online, which is adding to the excitement and encouraging more villagers to try their own night leopard safari.
Forest Officials Warn of Rising Risks
Forest authorities have called the trend dangerous for both humans and animals.
“This is a disturbing development. Such close-range encounters can easily provoke animals,” said a forest officer Junnar division. She added that this is the first time a trend like this has been seen in the state and that it is completely illegal.
Officials explained that Junnar’s sugarcane belt often sees leopard movement, especially in villages like Otur, Pimpari Pendhar and areas near Aalephata. The region already has a history of human-wildlife conflict, and such acts can make the situation worse.
Impact on Leopard Behaviour
Forest teams say chasing or blocking a leopard:
- Raises the animal’s stress levels
- Can alter its natural behaviour
- Increases the chances of sudden attacks
- Can push the animal closer to human settlements
Videos shot only for likes and online attention, officials said, are now becoming a challenge to monitor and control.
“We reprimanded a few violators earlier, but now many videos are surfacing,” the officer said. Some officers admit they cannot take strict action immediately as the region is already facing heightened tension after recent leopard attacks.
Villagers Speak on the Trend
Some locals say the night leopard safari trend began out of curiosity.
“We often hear leopards near our farms at night. So some youngsters started driving around to see them. Now it has become an adventure,” a villager said.
Others, including village leaders, have warned residents to stop.
“People should avoid such dangerous activities. If something goes wrong, who will be responsible?” said Narendra Dhome, sarpanch of Pimparkhed village, which recently reported three fatal leopard attacks.
Officials Plan Patrols and Awareness
Forest teams have begun patrolling sensitive spots and may soon issue strict warnings or take legal action. Awareness campaigns are being planned to discourage villagers from attempting night safaris.
“We can’t allow this to continue. It disturbs the animals and risks lives. We will check each video and take proper action,” said the Range Forest Officer, Junnar.
Wildlife experts stress that coexistence, not thrill-seeking, is the only way forward. Disturbed leopards may retaliate or move unpredictably closer to homes, increasing conflict.
With tensions already high in Junnar after recent attacks, authorities fear that informal night safaris could make matters worse. Residents are being urged to stay safe, follow wildlife laws and avoid behaviour that could escalate human-animal conflicts.
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