Leopard Spotted Near Mumbai Housing Complex, Residents Urged to Remain Cautious

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 12th Feb. A leopard was sighted strolling near a housing complex along the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road in Mumbai, causing panic among residents and others in the vicinity, as confirmed by a forest official on Sunday. The feline was captured on CCTV cameras installed at the residential society, situated close to the Aarey forest, with the footage subsequently going viral on social media platforms.

Expressing concern over the proximity of the leopard to residential areas, a resident emphasized the potential danger and called for coordinated efforts with forest officials to address the situation. Forest staff have intensified monitoring efforts, including daily night patrols in the area, to ensure public safety.

Assuaging fears, wildlife expert Pawan Sharma noted that leopard sightings in suburban Mumbai, particularly around SGNP (Sanjay Gandhi National Park) or Aarey, are not inherently hazardous. Sharma attributed such occurrences to natural instincts driving wild animals towards human habitats in search of prey.

In light of the sighting, Sharma advised residents to exercise caution, avoiding dark areas at night, keeping surroundings well-lit for visibility, and ensuring the accompaniment of small children and pets by adults. He further recommended that security personnel remain vigilant and equipped with torches during night shifts.

As authorities and wildlife experts collaborate to address concerns and ensure community safety, residents are urged to report any leopard sightings promptly to the toll-free helpline (1926) of the forest department.