Fresh Pugmarks: Leopard Spotted in Pune’s Posh Keshavnagar Area Again, Residents on High Alert
Late-night CCTV visuals and fresh pugmarks confirm animal movement between housing societies; forest officials begin monitoring
Pune reported yet another leopard sighting late Wednesday night, this time in the Keshavnagar area, triggering heightened alert among residents and prompting swift action from forest department officials.
According to information shared by local welfare associations, the leopard was first spotted around 2.27 am near Konark Riva housing society. CCTV footage later confirmed the animal entering Alcon Silverleaf, another residential complex located within the same premises. Security guards reportedly noticed the leopard approaching from the direction of a nearby sewage treatment plant, after which residents were alerted.
Forest department teams visited both housing societies on Thursday morning and found fresh pugmarks in soft, damp soil near open patches. Officials said the paw prints matched the timing and movement captured on CCTV cameras, confirming the animal’s recent presence in the area.
A senior forest official said the leopard most likely entered Keshavnagar from the Manjari side, which has large stretches of open land and farmland. Another possible route could be along the Mula-Mutha river edge. “Keshavnagar is a compact, built-up area, so these are the most probable movement corridors. Monitoring is currently underway,” the official said.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious, especially during early morning and late evening hours. Housing societies have been asked to keep gates closed, ensure adequate lighting, and avoid allowing children outdoors without adult supervision. Morning walks and outdoor activities have also been discouraged for the time being.
The Keshavnagar sighting comes close on the heels of recent leopard sightings reported from Aundh and Bavdhan. In those cases, the animal was seen on separate occasions but could not be traced later. Forest officials said such movements are not unusual, as Pune is surrounded by leopard habitats and animals occasionally stray into urban pockets, particularly at night.
Officials have assured residents that there is no need for panic but urged strict adherence to safety advisories. Continuous surveillance and coordination with local societies will continue until the situation stabilises.
