“The mere sighting of a leopard is not a threat,” wildlife researcher and conservationist Krishna Tiwari reminds people who feel attacked by the very presence of the big cat in the city. The chance of spotting one in certain parts of Mumbai is quite high, of course. In Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s (SGNP) 103 sq. km. alone, there are close to 50 leopards.

Despite these high numbers, experts say leopards are typically shy and largely keep away from humans in the city. Yet, they also possess a powerful physique that can make them perfect “killing machines” – this strikes fear whenever the occasional trouble-making leopard emerges among the local population.