Another leopard sighting has raised alarms in Lucknow’s Cantonment area, sending residents into a state of panic. The big cat was last seen pacing near a roadside pole in Ruchi Khand on Wednesday night, just days after its initial appearance near Bangla Bazaar on Sunday. A video captured by a passerby, showing the leopard calmly crossing the road, quickly went viral, further intensifying concerns among locals.
AI or an actual leopard? Forest Dept. responds
लखनऊ और सीतापुर में तेंदुआ की चहलकदमी. तेंदुआ लखनऊ में रायबरेली रोड पर कॉलोनी और सीतापुर के मेहमूदाबाद के एक लॉन में टहल रहा है. @upfcup @UpforestUp pic.twitter.com/CX7FRbdgv5
— Dharmendra Pandey🇮🇳 (@Dharm0912) September 24, 2025
The big cat was seen roaming a colony on Raebareli Road in Lucknow and a lawn in Mehmoodabad, Sitapur. CCTV footage confirmed its presence, prompting authorities to alert residents via loudspeaker while forest officials conducted night patrols.
Despite the Forest Department’s relentless efforts, the leopard remains elusive. Three special teams have been patrolling the area, but no traces like footprints or prey remains, have been found since the latest sighting. Additionally, the Forest Department has confirmed that several images of the leopard circulating online are AI-generated.
As operations continue to safely tranquilise and relocate the animal, local residents, concerned for their safety, have kept children home from school. The situation remains tense, with authorities working tirelessly to ensure the leopard is returned to its natural habitat.
Leopard on the loose in Lucknow Cantonment; residents urged to stay vigilant
