Bengaluru: Leopard clings to bus at Bannerghatta Safari, raises safety concerns

Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta Biological Park recently gave visitors a close encounter with wildlife—perhaps too close. In a viral video from Sunday, a leopard was seen clinging to the side of a safari bus, peeking through a window, leaving passengers momentarily stunned. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the brief encounter.

Also Read: Jungle Adventure: You can soon embark on Leopard Safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)

The incident occurred during the park’s safari, which is renowned for offering tourists a near-natural wildlife experience. This thrilling experience, however, comes with its own set of risks. While leopards are usually shy and avoid human interaction, their unpredictable behavior can sometimes result in close, potentially dangerous, encounters like this one. 

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A leopard at Bannerghatta National Park recently jumped onto the window of a jungle safari bus, creating a moment of both awe and fear for the passengers inside. The wild cat’s sudden appearance startled everyone, as it leaped onto the bus… pic.twitter.com/YqDI265CS2

— Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf) October 6, 2024

Although the leopard quickly retreated, the incident has sparked discussions about safety during wildlife safaris. Experts point out that while such safaris are essential for educating the public about wildlife conservation, they are not without hazards. Animals, especially predators like leopards, can be unpredictable, particularly when they venture close to human-populated areas. Visitors are advised to follow all park guidelines strictly and avoid any actions that could provoke wildlife.

The park remains a popular attraction, but such incidents highlight the importance of maintaining caution during safaris. Bannerghatta Biological Park remains closed on Tuesdays, but otherwise welcomes tourists throughout the week.