Leopard Cub Seen Near Gurugram’s Ridgeview IFS Society, Residents Put on Alert (See Pic)
A leopard cub was spotted twice near Ridgeview IFS Society in Gurugram's Sector 54, prompting inspections by the forest department. Residents say it is the first such sighting near the housing complex and have raised concerns over alleged encroachments and habitat disturbance in the nearby Aravalli forest. Officials said the animal has not shown aggressive behaviour.
A leopard cub was spotted twice late Tuesday night, July 14, near Ridgeview IFS Society in Gurugram's Sector 54, prompting concern among residents and leading the forest department to inspect the area. Residents said the sightings occurred near the entrance of the residential complex, which is located on the edge of the Aravalli forest.
According to residents, this is the first time a leopard has been seen in the immediate vicinity of the housing society, although wildlife movement is not uncommon in areas bordering the Aravalli range. Forest officials said they have been receiving reports of the animal's presence in the locality for nearly a week. Leopard Attack in Indore Video: Blinkit Delivery Rider Escapes After Big Cat Charges at Motorcycle in MP.
Leopard Cub Seen Near Gurugram Society
Residents of a Sector 54 condominium have urged the DFO to stop alleged encroachment on the adjoining Aravalli forest, warning it is destroying wildlife habitat. A #leopard cub entering the residential complex is a stark reminder that when forests shrink, wildlife has nowhere to… pic.twitter.com/bWv4fBohvw
— Dr. Leena Dhankhar (@leenadhankhar) July 17, 2026
Security Guards Spotted the Leopard Cub
Savithri Lakshmanan, a resident and secretary of the condominium's management committee, said the leopard cub was first seen at around 3 am, when security personnel noticed the animal near the society's entrance.
She said: "Around 3am, our security guards spotted a leopard cub near the entrance of the society and immediately alerted residents. We have advised residents to remain cautious during the night and avoid venturing out unnecessarily." Leopard Caught on Camera in Mumbai: Viral Video Shows Big Cat Hunting Stray Dog Outside Residential Society in Mulund.
Residents have since been urged to remain alert, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours.
Residents Raise Concerns Over Encroachments
Residents also linked the sighting to alleged encroachments in the nearby Aravalli forest, saying increasing human activity could be contributing to more frequent human-wildlife interactions.
Lakshmanan said: "From our balconies, we can see illegal encroachments, including huts and semi-permanent structures that have come up within the forest area." She added that such activities could be affecting wildlife habitat and pushing animals closer to residential areas.
Earlier this month, residents of Ridgeview IFS Society wrote to the forest department requesting an inspection of the forest area and action against alleged illegal encroachments, including the demolition of unauthorised structures. The letter also highlighted concerns over repeated incidents of open fires in the Aravalli forest, warning that they could further damage wildlife habitats.
Forest Department Conducts Inspection
Raj Kumar Jangra, Divisional Wildlife Officer (DWO), said the department received complaints from residents and subsequently sent a team to inspect the area.
Surinder Dangi, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), said officials had been receiving reports of the leopard's movement for about a week.
He said: "This is what has come to our notice. Although the area does not fall under our jurisdiction, the leopard has been seen moving around and has not displayed any aggressive behaviour. We have instructed people not to harm the animal, and inspections are being carried out."
Human-Wildlife Interactions Near the Aravallis
The Aravalli range around Gurugram supports wildlife including leopards, hyenas, jackals and several smaller mammals. Experts have previously noted that habitat disturbance and urban expansion can increase encounters between wildlife and nearby residential communities.
Forest officials have advised residents to remain cautious, avoid approaching the animal if sighted and immediately inform authorities of any further leopard sightings.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 05:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
