Recent Leopard Sightings in Pune: Forest Officials Urge Residents to Stay Alert, Not Panic – Issue Safety Guidelines
Pune, November 30, 2025: Recent leopard sightings across the city, including one in Aundh on November 23, repeated sightings near Pune airport, and another report from Kanifnath Fort, have raised concern among residents. In response, the district forest authorities have launched an immediate search operation. Teams from the department, along with Rescue Charitable Trust, are using thermal drones and trap cameras to track the animal’s movement.
Officials say there is no need to panic, but people should stay alert, especially in areas with dense vegetation, hills, empty plots, and construction sites. Regular patrolling and search squads have been deployed across the area.
Precautions for Farmers and Residents
The forest department has advised people living near Pune city’s outskirts and farmers working in fields to follow basic safety steps:
- Farmers should avoid going alone to their farms at night. Move in groups and carry a stick.
- Tie a thick scarf or cloth around the neck and play loud music while walking.
- Children should travel in groups or with parents while going to school.
- Keep house doors locked properly and avoid sleeping outside in open spaces.
- Keep pets and cattle inside strong, fenced sheds near the house.
- Avoid dumping food waste, meat leftovers, or bones outside as it attracts wild animals.
- Ensure proper garbage management in the neighbourhood.
- Keep society and school premises well-lit and, if possible, ensure CCTV cameras are functional.
What to Do If You Spot a Leopard
Authorities shared important steps to remember if someone suddenly comes face-to-face with a leopard:
- Don’t panic or run.
- Do not turn your back.
- Raise your hands, speak loudly, and slowly move backward.
- Make your presence known without aggressive behaviour.
- Don’t look directly into the leopard’s eyes.
- Give the animal an escape route.
What Not to Do
- Do not spread fake news, wrong information, edited photos, or videos on social media.
- Avoid going alone to dense trees, empty plots, streams, drains, or isolated areas, especially at night.
- Don’t hide in places where a leopard or other wildlife might be resting.
- Learn to distinguish between genuine sightings and AI generated fake images or reels.
How to Distinguish Between Genuine and AI Generated Images of Leopard Sightings in Pune
Forest Department’s Appeal
The Forest Range Officer of Bhamurda (Pune) has appealed to citizens to follow instructions responsibly. They stressed that preventing human-wildlife conflict requires cooperation from everyone. People should strictly follow advisories issued by the forest department, police, and local administration.
घाबरु नका.. सजग राहा.
— DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICE, PUNE (@Info_Pune) November 28, 2025
अचानक बिबट्या दिसल्यास काय कराल ?@MahaForest@PuneForest#Forest#Pune pic.twitter.com/jt9jkVRPqT
If anyone gets confirmed information or a sighting of a leopard, they should immediately call the forest department helpline 1926.
The department has requested residents to stay alert but calm and support ongoing efforts to track the animal.
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