A leopard and cub were seen resting by the roadside in the dense forests of Dandeli, Uttara Kannada, a wildlife enthusiast’s rare encounter. The sight took place on the busy road that links Ambika Nagar with the Power House, a stretch with thick green canopy but rarely featuring such bold appearances of the elusive “ghost of the forest.”
Although Dandeli is a celebrated center for biodiversity, residents and forest authorities have remarked that the sight of a mother leopard and her cub lying there serenely in front of tourists is an “extremely rare” occurrence.
A Viral Sight: Nature In Its Purest Form
The episode occurred during the early hours of the day, commuters were en route to Ambika Nagar Power House.
The Encounter: Travellers were shocked to find the mature leopard and its little cub on a roadside wall (katte) or at the edge of the forest. Rather than retreating to the thickets at the sound of engines that drove the vehicles, the two remained serene. They stood without a murmur, only watching passers-by with calm, curious looks.
Cameras snap: Several passengers quickly grabbed their smartphones to videotape the scene. The video, depicting these magnificent felines in a state of total peacefulness, has since gone viral on social media networks like WhatsApp and Instagram with thousands of views from nature enthusiasts all over Karnataka.
Local Reaction: “We hear a lot of leopard movements in the deeper parts of the Kali Tiger Reserve, but we don’t see them right next to the road, and with a cub, that is something most of us haven’t seen in years,” an Ambika Nagar resident told me.
Forest Department Issues Safety Advisory
Although the sighting brought some friends joy, the Forest Department is cautious. Forest monitoring has been intensified in the Ambika Nagar-Power House region after the video’s spread to others to protect wildlife and the public.
Guidelines for Travelers:
- Do Not Alight from Vehicles: Officials have issued strong warnings to travelers not to take photos, or a selfie, getting off their cars or bicycles.
- Avoid Feeding: Don't throw food or make loud noises to distract the animal as it will trigger the mother leopard, who is most protective of her cub.
- Drive Slowly: Motorists are advised to drive slow and be extra vigilant, particularly during morning and evening, when wildlife frequently take the roads to travel.
The Rich Wildlife of Dandeli
In Dandeli, a part of the Kali Tiger Reserve, you can find a plethora of wildlife from the renowned black panther to the tiger, elephant and Indian hornbill. A healthy leopard cub reflects the existence of a healthy ecosystem and effective breeding in protected forest areas. Human wildlife and other species growing closer on forest roads is also making authorities increasingly aware of the importance of “coexistence with caution.”
