Leopard Sightings Create Panic in Pune Neighborhoods
Residents of Pune are living in fear after multiple leopard sightings across the city. The forest department captured one leopard from Pune airport premises recently. This incident highlights growing human-wildlife conflicts in urban areas.
Multiple Sightings Reported Across City
Between November and December 2025, close to half a dozen leopard sightings occurred in Pune. Reports came from various locations including Pune airport, Aundh, Bavdhan, Pashan-Sutarwadi, and Keshav Nagar in Mundhwa. These areas represent densely populated urban spaces where such wildlife encounters create immediate safety concerns.
Vaijanath Kale, a 68-year-old resident of Pashan, expressed the community's anxiety. "Stepping out for morning and evening walks became frightening after the leopard sightings," he said. "Our residential society advised us to stay indoors, disrupting our daily routines and affecting our health. We need clear information and timely alerts to avoid living in constant fear."
Civic Polls Bring Issue to Forefront
With municipal elections approaching, residents and wildlife experts are raising serious concerns. They emphasize the need for a coordinated, multi-agency response mechanism. Beyond immediate safety fears, they have flagged the spread of misinformation through social media platforms.
Neha Panchamiya, founder of RESQ Charitable Trust, explained the challenges. "The forest department and RESQ team respond promptly to credible reports," she stated. "However, effective management requires coordination between all stakeholders including police, fire department, elected representatives, and local citizens."
Panchamiya highlighted how rumors complicate responses. "Unverified messages on social media trigger public anxiety and divert essential resources," she noted. "Strengthening official information channels and fostering public awareness can significantly improve preparedness."
Daily Life Disrupted for Residents
The leopard sightings have particularly affected vulnerable groups. Senior citizens have altered their exercise routines. Working women who travel during early morning and late evening hours face heightened fears.
Sharada Sutar, a domestic helper in Pashan, described her predicament. "I leave home before sunrise and return after dark," she shared. "When leopard messages circulate on WhatsApp, we don't know what's true. We need authentic information to know when it's safe to step out."
Sathish K, an IT professional from Bavdhan, pointed to broader implications. "Reports of leopard presence have created uncertainty about public spaces," he observed. "Walking areas and hill tracks that families use for relaxation now feel unsafe. Elected representatives must coordinate with agencies to ensure citizen safety."
Call for Systematic Response Mechanism
Wildlife experts stress that Pune needs a structured approach as the city expands. Encounters between humans and leopards are becoming more frequent. A collaborative framework involving multiple agencies could prevent panic and ensure proper handling of such situations.
The recent capture at Pune airport demonstrates that interventions are possible. However, residents demand consistent communication and transparent updates. They want to know what happens to captured leopards and whether threats persist in their neighborhoods.
As Pune prepares for civic polls, this issue has gained political significance. Voters expect candidates to address wildlife management concerns. The city's growth into natural habitats makes human-animal conflicts inevitable. Developing protocols for peaceful coexistence remains crucial for Pune's future.
