This Viral Video of an Injured Leopard From Rajasthan Is a Lesson on What Not To Do After Spotting a Wild Animal
You’re halfway through your morning tea when something moves near the gate — a jackal, maybe even a leopard, walking by like it belongs. Not a safari but a regular day in the neighbourhood. There is panic, chaos and fear.
Scenes like this are becoming more common across Indian cities. From Pune and Bengaluru to Gurugram and Guwahati, wild animals are straying into urban areas as we’re getting closer to their habitats in the name of development and modernisation. Shrinking green cover, expanding construction, and easy access to food waste are drawing wildlife into human spaces.
When that happens, your response matters because not every wildlife encounter ends with a heartwarming rescue.
In a recent incident near the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR), a leopard reportedly wandered out of the forest and into nearby human habitation. The animal, clearly injured and posing no threat, became the centre of a growing crowd.
Instead of calling authorities or ensuring the leopard was left undisturbed, people gathered to watch, film, and snap photos. Some even egged others on, turning the moment into a public spectacle. The leopard, visibly in pain, didn’t attack or try to flee — a heartbreaking sign of its critical condition.
A calm, informed citizen can prevent panic, protect lives, both human and animal, and even support successful rescue. This guide walks you through what to do (and what to avoid) if you ever find yourself in such a moment.
What you should do
- Stay calm and keep your distance.
Sudden movements or loud noises can frighten the animal and trigger unpredictable behaviour. Stay still or quietly step back indoors.
- Call the forest department or wildlife helpline immediately.
Do not delay. Authorities are trained to handle such situations and will respond with the necessary resources.
- Note the animal’s location and movement.
Share accurate information with rescue teams such as landmarks or the direction the animal moved, to help them act faster.
- Keep children, pets, and others indoors.
Avoid letting anyone, especially children or pets, approach the animal out of curiosity or fear.
- Inform your neighbours and the nearby guards.
Spread the word calmly, without panic, to prevent accidents or crowding.
- Follow official instructions once they arrive.
Cooperate with rescue teams. Clear the area if asked. Avoid interfering or offering help unless requested.
What you should NOT do
Taking the example of the recent incident from Rajasthan’s Bundi (Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve), the public reaction was outright inhuman. Rescue officials later confirmed that the animal was seriously injured, likely due to territorial conflict or an accident in the wild. Some in the crowd began provoking the animal by whistling, clapping, and even throwing small stones to make it “move” for better photos. Others shouted at it, trying to get a reaction, as if its pain were part of a street performance. In multiple videos circulated online, the leopard can be seen crouched and still, barely able to respond, a haunting image of both its injury and its resignation.
This incident is a stark reminder of what not to do when faced with wildlife.
- Do not try to scare away or chase the animal
This can provoke aggression or force the animal to run into denser urban areas, making rescue harder.
- Do not attempt to take selfies or close-up videos
Getting too close for a picture puts both you and the animal at risk and encourages others to do the same.
There have been several instances of leopards wandering into urban centres. Picture credit: The Hindu
People surrounding the animal can cause stress, block exit routes, and endanger everyone present.
- Do not share unverified information on social media
Avoid posting exaggerated claims or rumours. It can create panic and mislead rescue efforts.
- Do not share graphic images or videos
These often serve no purpose beyond shock value and can compromise the dignity of the rescue or recovery process.
- Do not try to “guide” the animal out yourself
Even if it appears docile, wild animals are unpredictable. Let trained professionals manage the situation.
When citizens made the right call
Across India, forest officers have time and again highlighted one powerful truth — the success of a rescue operation doesn’t just depend on trained teams and tranquilizers. It often begins with a citizen choosing not to panic.
Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh
Take the case shared by Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. A young leopard had accidentally fallen into a 25-foot-deep well in a farming village. Instead of turning the site into a spectacle, villagers did exactly what they were supposed to – they called the forest department, stood back, and waited. In a post that went viral for the right reasons, Kaswan shared images of the rescue operation, writing: “People did not panic. They secured the place. Forest staff came and rescued the leopard without any injury.” The video showed the leopard calmly climbing into the crate that was lowered — a moment that was only possible because the crowd had stayed quiet and cooperative.
Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu
Another example came from Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, where a herd of elephants wandered close to a tea estate. Instead of trying to chase them or take selfies, residents quickly informed the forest department and allowed the herd to retreat calmly. IFS officer Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, later shared the story on X , praising local communities for their deep understanding and respect for wildlife. “In the Nilgiris, co-existence isn’t just a concept. It’s a way of life,” she wrote.
These stories may not flood your newsfeed, but they matter. Because in each of them, ordinary people made a critical decision to act responsibly rather than react impulsively. And that single decision made all the difference.
Why it matters
Urban wildlife encounters are not just a side effect of development. Instead, they’re a mirror to how we treat the world beyond our cities. These animals don’t enter our streets by choice. Often, they’re displaced, disoriented, or desperate for food and water.
So the next time you spot a leopard by the roadside, a civet in your garden, or even a monkey troop in a market, remember, your actions can shape the outcome. Let the experts handle it. You just need to do your part by not doing too much.
Edited by Saumya Singh
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