Residents of a gated housing society in Ahmedabad have altered their daily routines after a leopard was spotted entering the neighbourhood, prompting heightened vigilance and precautionary measures. The animal was captured on surveillance cameras inside Serendeep Mansions in Ghuma, creating concern among residents despite the leopard leaving the premises within minutes. Forest department teams continue to monitor the area as efforts to trace the animal remain underway.

The leopard was seen around 2 am on Monday climbing the boundary wall of Serendeep Mansions, a residential society comprising 105 independent bungalows ranging in size from 350 to 1,500 square yards. CCTV footage showed the animal moving through the society before exiting approximately seven minutes later into a nearby vacant plot covered with dense babool (Prosopis juliflora) vegetation, where it has not yet been located.

Following the sighting, residents have significantly changed their daily routines to minimise the risk of encounters with the wild animal. Many have stopped going for early morning walks, while pet owners are avoiding taking their dogs outside unless necessary. Security personnel have also been instructed not to patrol the premises alone and to remain alert while carrying out their duties.

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The Gujarat Forest Department has deployed wildlife rescue teams in the area and stationed a rescue vehicle outside the society as a precaution. Officials have advised residents to avoid venturing into isolated areas, especially during the early morning and late evening hours, and to immediately report any fresh leopard sightings or unusual animal movement. The department is continuing surveillance in and around the nearby vacant land where the leopard was last seen.

Wildlife experts note that leopards occasionally stray into urban areas in Gujarat, particularly where residential neighbourhoods are located close to open land, vegetation or natural habitats. Such movements are often linked to the search for food, water or safe passage between fragmented forested areas. Authorities have urged residents not to panic or attempt to confront the animal if it is spotted again.

Forest officials are continuing search operations while monitoring the surrounding area with the assistance of local authorities and society management. Until the leopard is safely traced or moves away from the locality, residents have been asked to remain cautious and follow all safety advisories issued by the forest department to reduce the risk of any human-wildlife conflict.

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