Two leopards were captured on CCTV cameras roaming along the main road in Yeoor, a part of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, on March 6. The footage, recorded around 3:30 AM, shows the two leopards—one fully grown and the other much younger, estimated to be around three and one year old, respectively—making their way near an Air Force base. The sighting has raised concerns about human-wildlife interactions in the region, prompting forest officials to take immediate action.
In response to the incident, the forest department has announced plans to install awareness boards along the area to ensure public safety and alert locals to the presence of wildlife. This initiative comes as part of an effort to mitigate the increasing risks posed by wildlife sightings near populated areas.
Yeoor Forest Range, a well-known haven for wildlife, is home to a significant leopard population. The forest is known for its diverse wildlife, including various species of birds and mammals. However, unauthorized commercial activities in recent years, such as the establishment of hotels, roadside eateries, and sports turfs, have begun encroaching upon the natural habitat. This growing human activity has led to a rise in the frequency of human-wildlife encounters.
The main access road to Yeoor, which passes through Upvan and is located near the Air Force base, is a key point where such encounters are becoming more common. The increasing human presence in these areas is contributing to the disruption of the animals' natural movement, forcing them to venture closer to human settlements.Forest officials are working diligently to ensure the safety of both the public and the wildlife. Installing awareness boards will help educate the community about the risks and encourage people to take precautions when in or around the forested areas.