The News Observer Desk,
Joida (Uttara Kannada) – A leopard was spotted on the roadside along the Pansoli–Kulgi road in Joida taluk on Saturday evening around 5:30 PM, causing anxiety among locals and travelers.
Tourists returning from a visit to the Pansoli Elephant Camp were startled when the big cat suddenly appeared beside the road. The leopard reportedly lingered in the area for some time, allowing the visitors to capture video footage on their mobile phones.
As news of the sighting spread, it triggered unease among local residents and passersby on the route. The road borders a dense forest area in the Kali Tiger Reserve (part of Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve), where leopards and even black panthers are known to roam. With increasing vehicle traffic on this stretch, locals have urged people to exercise greater caution while traveling.
Such sightings are not uncommon in this wildlife-rich zone, but they serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance near protected forests. No incidents of aggression were reported in this case.
Reporting and Videography by Saikiran Babrekar
