Leopard Spotted Again at Pune International Airport
The Pune International Airport became the center of attention once again when a leopard was sighted on its premises on November 19, 2025, marking the second such incident within a year. The big cat was observed at 5:30 am and again at 7:40 pm behind Bay Number 9 and near Taxi Link K4 area of the airport.
Immediate Response and Joint Inspection
Following the alarming sighting, a comprehensive field visit was organized on Monday morning involving officials from both the Forest Department and the Indian Air Force. The inspection team included prominent figures such as Assistant Conservator of Forests Mangesh Tate, Wing Commander YS Singh from the Indian Air Force, and representatives from ResQ Charitable Trust including Kiran Rahalkar and Ninad.
According to Deputy Conservator of Forest Mahadev Mohite, the joint team thoroughly examined the exact location where the leopard had been spotted. Three camera traps have been strategically installed at the site to monitor any further movement of the animal. However, since the initial sighting on November 19, the leopard has not been captured on any of these surveillance devices.
Safety Measures Implemented
During the detailed inspection, authorities identified and examined various tunnels in the vicinity that could potentially serve as hiding spots for the wild cat. In a decisive move to eliminate potential shelters, the Indian Air Force has completely sealed all these tunnels, ensuring the animal cannot take refuge within them.
Despite these preventive measures, officials remain cautious. Deputy Conservator Mohite emphasized that there remains a high possibility the leopard might be sheltering in the surrounding vegetation near the airport premises. The dense foliage in adjacent areas provides adequate cover for the animal to remain hidden from plain sight.
Historical Context and Future Plans
This recent incident echoes a similar occurrence from April earlier this year when another leopard was spotted on the airport premises, prompting an extensive search operation at that time. Following the April sighting, the Forest Department had conducted meetings with Indian Air Force authorities, advising them to exercise heightened caution in both operational and residential enclaves within the airport complex.
Looking forward, authorities have established a clear protocol for any future encounters. If the leopard is sighted again—either through direct observation or camera trap footage—immediate action will be taken involving the placement of trap cages and implementation of appropriate methods for the animal's safe capture and relocation.
The collaborative effort between forest officials and defense authorities demonstrates a coordinated approach to addressing wildlife concerns in urban areas while ensuring both human safety and animal welfare remain priorities.
