Leopard captured after roaming Hyderabad outskirts for over 20 days

Hyderabad: A leopard that had been roaming the outskirts of Hyderabad for more than 20 days was finally captured on Thursday morning, July 31, 2025. The animal was trapped in a cage placed at the Exotic Park in Manchirevula, near Gandipet mandal.

The leopard had been sighted multiple times in recent weeks near Mrugavani Park, the Greyhounds training area, and the Golkonda Artillery Center. CCTV footage confirmed its presence in these areas. Based on these sightings, the Forest Department set up eight trap cameras and four cages to monitor and capture the animal.

Officials said Greyhounds patrolling personnel were among the first to spot the leopard and alert authorities, leading to intensified efforts to secure the area and ensure public safety.

Earlier this month, on July 11, Defence Laboratories School in Vignyan Kancha issued a safety advisory to parents after two leopards were reportedly seen near the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) campus in Balapur. The notice urged parents to keep children indoors until further notice, citing safety concerns.

This is not the first such incident this year. On April 18, a male leopard, estimated to be five to six years old, was captured at the ICRISAT campus in Patancheru, Sangareddy district. That leopard had been moving around the area for about a week before being trapped on the night of April 17. Forest officials used 30 to 40 surveillance cameras and two baited cages to track it.

The animal was later examined at Nehru Zoological Park and found to be in good health. It was released into the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nagarkurnool district. Forest officials are expected to conduct a medical examination of the recently captured leopard before deciding on its relocation.