Leopard Walks Through Tamil Nadu Village Road At Night, Panic Grips Locals

Last Updated:June 23, 2025, 14:37 IST

With nearly 65% of Nilgris district covered in forests, encounters with wild animals such as elephants, leopards, bears, tigers, wild boars, and deer are not uncommon

Saturday night's encounter occurred around 9:30 pm, when a group of workers returning from a tea factory caught the leopard on video (News18 Tamil)

A growing sense of fear is gripping the residents of rural Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu after a leopard was spotted walking calmly on a village road late on Satuday night. The animal was seen near Billikambai Shakthi Nagar, close to Katapettu in Kotagiri, an area surrounded by dense forests, sprawling tea estates, and scattered human settlements.

The Nilgiris, known for its lush landscapes and cool climate, is also home to a wide array of wildlife. With nearly 65% of the district covered in forests, encounters with wild animals such as elephants, leopards, bears, tigers, wild boars, and deer are not uncommon. However, villagers report that sightings have become more frequent – and more dangerous – in recent months.

Saturday night’s encounter occurred around 9:30 pm, when a group of workers returning from a tea factory caught the leopard on video. The animal was seen confidently pacing along the narrow road, momentarily blocking their pickup truck before slipping silently back into the forest. The footage, which quickly circulated on social media, has intensified concern among nearby villagers who often walk this stretch due to the lack of public transport facilities.

“We don’t have a bus service here. After a certain point, we have no choice but to walk home through these isolated roads," said one local resident, adding that it was terrifying knowing a leopard could be around any bend.

The area where the leopard was sighted is flanked by tea gardens and agricultural fields, making it a vulnerable spot for human-wildlife conflict. Villagers now say they feel unsafe walking after dark and are urging the forest department to intervene immediately.

“The forest officials must act swiftly to capture the leopard and release it deep into the jungle," another resident appealed, saying that it was not safe for people to move around anymore, especially children and elderly residents.

As human expansion continues to push into natural habitats, wildlife sightings in human settlements have become more common in The Nilgiris. Conservationists point out that such incidents are often a result of shrinking forest corridors and increasing encroachments. While the majestic sight of a leopard in the wild may seem awe-inspiring, for the villagers of Shakthi Nagar and its surroundings, it has become a nightly source of dread.

Location :

The Nilgiris, India, India

First Published:

News india Leopard Walks Through Tamil Nadu Village Road At Night, Panic Grips Locals