Dhamtari: A tense moment unfolded late at night on a state highway in Chhattisgarh’s forested Dhamtari district when a leopard was spotted sitting calmly by the roadside, forcing a car to slow down and leaving passengers inside shocked and frightened.
The incident occurred near Nagri, an area surrounded by dense, hilly forests known to be a natural habitat for leopards. According to eyewitnesses, the big cat was crouched near the highway, apparently waiting for prey. As a car approached, its headlights reflected off the animal’s eyes, initially misleading passengers into thinking it was a stray cat.
As the vehicle moved closer, the occupants realized they were face-to-face with a full-grown leopard. For a brief period, the animal remained seated near the side of the car, creating panic inside the vehicle. Sensing danger moments later, the leopard slowly retreated into the thick forest cover and disappeared.
Passengers managed to record a video of the leopard from inside the car, which has since drawn attention locally. Forest officials confirmed that the stretch of road falls under the Keregav Forest Range, where sightings of wild animals are frequent.
Locals say that leopards, bears, and even elephants are often seen crossing roads in this region at night. The forest department has been issuing regular public announcements, urging residents and travelers to remain cautious, especially after dark.
Divisional Forest Officer Shrikrishna Jadhav stated that reports of leopard movement in the Keregav range have been received over the past few days. “Our teams are continuously monitoring the area. People are being advised to stay alert, avoid venturing into forest zones, and cooperate in ensuring both human and wildlife safety,” he said.
Officials reiterated that such encounters highlight the need for caution in forest-adjacent highways, as these roads often pass through active wildlife corridors.