Leopard Encounter Stuns Tourists at Bannerghatta National Park Safari

A recent safari at the Bannerghatta National Park in Karnataka took a dramatic turn when a leopard attempted to leap into a bus carrying a group of tourists. The incident, captured on video and shared widely on social media, has left viewers amazed as they watch the big cat peeking through the window and attempting to climb atop the bus.

According to reports, the encounter occurred on a Sunday when the safari bus, driven by a park employee, had halted to provide tourists with a closer view of the park’s wildlife. Unexpectedly, a leopard appeared, startling the passengers with its bold approach.

“The tourists were shocked and frightened initially, but soon they were mesmerized to see the animal. The leopard’s unexpected appearance created a brief moment of panic, but the tourists regained their composure and enjoyed the rare sighting. Since all the safari vehicles had mesh windows, they (tourists) were all safe. No one was hurt,” an official explained, highlighting the measures in place to ensure visitor safety during such encounters.

The leopard attempted to jump on top of the vehicle as well, but the bus driver managed to move the bus forward, prompting the animal to return to its natural habitat. The quick thinking of the driver and the safety features of the bus averted any injuries or damage during the incident.

This event is not the first time leopards have made headlines in the Bengaluru area. Tigers and leopards have been increasingly sighted in urban and semi-urban areas, leading to interactions with humans. Notably, a leopard was recently spotted in Electronics City, and it took authorities a week to safely capture and relocate the animal. Prior sightings have been reported in areas such as Jigani, Kengeri, and near the Kempegowda International Airport.

Regional wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi has been studying the surge in leopard sightings, attempting to uncover the reasons behind their increased presence in human-dominated landscapes and offering guidance on what citizens should do if they encounter these animals.