Mysuru, Karnataka — Mysuru, long celebrated as a heritage-rich tourist hub and a gateway to Karnataka’s premier wildlife destinations like Bandipur and Nagarahole, is now gaining attention for a different reason — frequent leopard sightings within city limits.
While wildlife has always been part of Mysuru’s natural charm, recent months have seen a notable rise in leopard encounters across both residential and industrial zones. These incidents have triggered concern among locals and wildlife authorities, raising questions about shrinking forest cover and expanding urban landscapes.
Experts believe the sightings reflect the growing interface between urban development and wildlife habitats. As Mysuru continues to expand, the outskirts — once buffer zones for wild animals — are now dotted with housing layouts and factories, leading to increased human-animal interaction.
Despite the alarm, forest officials emphasize that the leopards spotted are typically shy and non-aggressive, and they urge residents to remain calm and vigilant. Meanwhile, wildlife teams are on high alert, working to track, tranquilize, and relocate animals when necessary to avoid any harm to people or the animals themselves.
Mysuru’s evolving relationship with its wild neighbors underscores the need for balanced urban planning that respects the natural corridors of Karnataka’s rich biodiversity.
