Leopard spotted 6th time in Bengaluru's Byadarahalli; residents demand capture
Synopsis
A leopard has now been spotted six times in a single month in Byadarahalli on Bengaluru's outskirts — and the Forest Department's trap cage has caught only stray dogs. With CCTV footage showing the animal near homes at 3 am, residents say fear has effectively imposed a curfew on daily life, and patience with authorities is running out.
Key Takeaways
A leopard was sighted for the sixth time in Byadarahalli, Bengaluru during July 2025 , with the latest incident recorded at around 3 am on 30 July .
CCTV footage captured the animal moving near residential houses during the early hours of Thursday.
The Forest Department installed a trap cage baited with chickens, but the leopard has evaded capture; stray dogs entered the cage in an earlier attempt.
Residents allege the cage has since been left empty, accusing the Forest Department and Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) of negligence.
Children and elderly residents are considered most at risk; many families have stopped outdoor activity after sunset and in early morning hours.
Further tracing and capture operations are reportedly underway.
A leopard was sighted for the sixth time in Byadarahalli on the outskirts of Bengaluru in the month of July, with CCTV footage capturing the animal moving near residential houses at around 3 am on Thursday, 30 July. The repeated sightings have triggered widespread panic, with many residents restricting outdoor movement during evenings and early morning hours.
What the CCTV Footage Shows
Footage from cameras installed in the locality reportedly shows the leopard prowling close to a house during the early hours of Thursday. The visual evidence has deepened public anxiety, particularly among families with children and elderly members, who are described as especially vulnerable.
Residents Allege Forest Department Negligence
Locals have directed sharp criticism at the Forest Department and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), alleging that officials have failed to take adequate action despite the animal's repeated appearances. A trap cage was installed in the area and was initially baited with live chickens to lure the leopard — but residents allege the cage has since been left empty.
'The authorities have washed their hands of the issue after placing the cage. The leopard continues to roam freely, and we are living in constant fear,' a resident said.
Compounding the challenge, an earlier trapping attempt in the Bharat Nagar residential locality within the Byadarahalli region saw stray dogs — not the leopard — walk into the baited cage, highlighting the operational difficulties faced by the department.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
Many families have stopped venturing outdoors after sunset, and some residents say they are hesitant to step out even during early morning hours. The fear is particularly acute for children and the elderly. The six sightings over the course of July 2025 mark a sustained pattern rather than an isolated encounter, raising questions about whether the animal has established a regular movement corridor through the area.
Forest Department Response and What Comes Next
Forest Department officials have confirmed they are monitoring the situation and have deployed a trap cage in the locality. However, the leopard has so far evaded capture. Residents are demanding that authorities deploy additional field personnel, restore bait in the cage, and take swift measures before any untoward incident occurs. Further tracing and capture efforts are reportedly underway.
Point of View
Which is a structural problem that a single trap cage cannot solve. The Forest Department's response so far has been reactive and under-resourced: a baited cage that caught stray dogs, then was reportedly left empty, is not a credible wildlife management operation. What is missing is a coordinated response — camera trap grids, nocturnal patrol teams, and direct community communication. The GBA's silence is equally telling. Urban leopard incursions near Bengaluru are not new, but the frequency here demands a protocol, not improvisation.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has the leopard been spotted in Byadarahalli?
The leopard has been sighted six times in the Byadarahalli area on the outskirts of Bengaluru during the month of July 2025. The most recent sighting was captured on CCTV at around 3 am on 30 July.
What has the Forest Department done to capture the leopard?
The Forest Department installed a trap cage in the Byadarahalli locality and initially baited it with live chickens. However, the leopard has evaded the trap; in an earlier attempt at the Bharat Nagar locality in the same region, stray dogs — not the leopard — entered the cage. Residents allege the cage has since been left unbaited.
Why are residents angry with the authorities?
Residents allege that both the Forest Department and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) have failed to take adequate measures despite six sightings in a month. They claim the trap cage was left empty after the initial attempt failed, and that no additional personnel have been deployed to ensure public safety.
Who is most at risk from the leopard sightings?
Residents say children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable. Many families have restricted all outdoor activity after sunset and during early morning hours, effectively disrupting daily routines across the neighbourhood.
What are residents demanding from the authorities?
Residents are demanding immediate deployment of additional Forest Department personnel, restoration of bait in the trap cage, and swift action to capture the animal before any person is harmed. They have also called out the GBA for what they describe as negligence in addressing the situation.
