Leopard Incident Sparks Concern in Andhra Pradesh

Recent leopard sightings in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, have heightened anxiety among locals and pilgrims, following a dramatic encounter involving a motorcyclist. The incident occurred on Friday night around 7 pm on Zoo Park Road in Alipiri. A leopard unexpectedly lunged at a moving motorbike, narrowly missing the rider. This alarming event was captured by a dashcam from a car trailing behind, and the footage has since gained widespread attention on social media, underscoring the immediate threat posed by these wild animals.

Authorities Respond to Viral Video

Despite the viral nature of the video, authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the motorbike incident. However, the Forest Department is actively addressing the situation to prevent further human-leopard encounters. Their efforts include monitoring the area and implementing measures to ensure public safety.

Increased Leopard Sightings Intensify Fears

Later that same night, around midnight, another leopard sighting was reported near Arvind Eye Hospital. This additional sighting has further intensified fears among residents. In response to the growing frequency of these encounters, forest officials have confirmed the presence of at least three leopards in the vicinity.

Measures Taken to Monitor and Capture Leopards

To track and potentially capture these leopards, authorities have installed 14 trap cameras and bait stations across three strategic locations. These measures aim to monitor leopard movements and facilitate their safe capture. Additionally, officials have recommended clearing dense thorn bushes around Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) and Sri Venkateswara Vedic University. This initiative seeks to eliminate potential hiding spots for leopards, thereby enhancing safety for students and staff.

Challenges of Coexisting with Wildlife

The region’s dense forests and significant pilgrim traffic present ongoing challenges in managing wildlife interactions. Previous leopard sightings on the Alipiri walkway and within university campuses highlight the complexities of coexisting with wildlife in this area.