The video has amassed more than 2.5 lakh views and close to 8,000 likes. It also shocked internet users and started a discussion.
A video circulating on social media shows a leopard pouncing on a cyclist. According to news agency ANI, the incident took place at Kaziranga National Park in Assam and the video was captured by CCTV installed in the area. The video has been shared by several users, including Indian Forest Service (IFS) officials. As the minute-long clip begins, a man wearing an orange full sleeves sweater is seen riding a bicycle along a highway passing through a forest. Suddenly, a leopard leaps put from the bushes and charges at the man.
The man loses balance and falls but the leopard sprints back to the forest. The cyclist immediately turns back.
See the video:
On Dehradun-Rishikesh Highway….
Both are lucky ☺️☺️ pic.twitter.com/NNyE4ssP19— Susanta Nanda IFS (Retd) (@susantananda3) September 21, 2022
The big cat’s jaws struck the man at his waist and he is seen checking it while cycling away from the spot. Two other cyclists are also seen waiting for the man and offer him help. The incident doesn’t impact the traffic on the road and cars and other vehicles are seen passing by normally.
The video has amassed more than 2.5 lakh views and close to 8,000 likes. It also shocked internet users and started a discussion.
“In open Forests beware of Wild Animals and make Sounds n pass. Then they won’t come near. Any way God bless him and all,” said one user.
“The red car saved the day for the cyclist. The leopard was taken aback by the presence of that car,” said another.
Others users called the cyclist “extremely lucky”.
ANI report said that the incident took place at Haldibari Animal Corridor on January 19, 2022, adding that the cyclist did not suffer any major injury in the attack.
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Cyclist attacked by wild leopard
Not Your Average Road Hazard: The Terrifying Story of a Cyclist Attacked by a Wild Leopard
The familiar rhythm of pedaling, the wind whistling past your ears, the blur of the landscape as you push forward—for most cyclists, these are the sensations of freedom and escape. The biggest worries are typically a flat tire, a steep climb, or an inattentive driver. But what happens when the wilderness you’re riding through reminds you, in the most terrifying way possible, that you are not at the top of the food chain?
This was the shocking reality for a cyclist on what began as a routine ride. It’s a story that serves as a pulse-pounding reminder of the raw power of nature and the fine line we tread when our adventures intersect with the wild.
The Moment the Trail Fought Back
Imagine this: You’re on a forested road, perhaps on the outskirts of a national park. The air is fresh, the sun is warm, and your focus is on the road ahead. Suddenly, a blur of motion from the roadside foliage. It’s not a deer or a dog. It’s a flash of gold and black rosettes—a leopard, an apex predator of incredible speed and power.
Before there’s even time to process, the attack is underway. In documented cases, leopards have launched themselves from cover, targeting the cyclist with stunning ferocity. The animal’s instincts likely misinterpret the fast-moving, low-profile cyclist as fleeing prey, like a small gazelle or deer.
In an instant, the ride transforms from a peaceful workout into a desperate fight for survival. The cyclist is knocked from the bike, and the struggle begins. It’s a primal, terrifying encounter that few can even imagine.
Why Would a Leopard Attack a Human?
While leopard attacks on humans are rare, they are not unheard of, especially in areas where human habitats encroach on wild territories. Experts suggest several reasons why such a shocking event might occur:
- Mistaken Identity: This is the most likely culprit in attacks on cyclists and joggers. The speed, motion, and hunched-over posture can trigger a predator’s chase instinct. The leopard doesn’t see a human on a machine; it sees a prey animal making a run for it.
- Territorial Defense: The cyclist may have unknowingly ventured too close to a leopard’s den, its cubs, or a recently-made kill that it was protecting. The attack in this case is defensive, meant to neutralize a perceived threat.
- Old or Injured Animal: A leopard that is old, sick, or injured may be unable to hunt its usual agile prey. In desperation, it might view a slower, more vulnerable target like a human as an easier meal.
- Element of Surprise: Leopards are ambush predators. If a cyclist quietly and quickly rounds a bend and startles the animal, it may attack out of fear and instinct before it has time to properly identify the “threat.”
Survival and Lessons Learned
In the reported incidents, the cyclists who survived often did so thanks to a combination of sheer will, frantic defense, and the timely arrival of others. The noise from shouting and approaching vehicles has often been enough to scare the leopard away, causing it to abandon its attack and retreat into the forest.
These harrowing encounters leave more than just physical scars. They leave us with crucial lessons for coexisting with wildlife. For those of us who love to run, hike, or cycle in areas bordering wild habitats, this story is not meant to inspire fear, but to foster respect and preparedness.
How to Ride Safer in Wild Country
You don’t have to give up your passion for exploring the outdoors. You just need to be smarter and more aware.
- Ride in Groups: A single cyclist is a much more tempting target than a group. The noise and presence of multiple people are a powerful deterrent for most predators.
- Avoid Dawn and Dusk: Most big cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the low-light hours of dawn and dusk. Plan your rides for the middle of the day.
- Make Noise: Don’t ride silently. Talk to your companions, use a bell, or even play music quietly from a speaker. The goal is to announce your presence so you don’t surprise an animal. An animal that hears you coming is more likely to move away.
- Ditch the Headphones: You need all your senses. Being able to hear a rustle in the bushes or an animal’s call is critical to your situational awareness.
- Know the Area: Be aware of local wildlife advisories. If you’re riding in a known leopard or big cat territory, be extra vigilant.
- If You Encounter a Predator:
- STOP. Do not try to outrun it. This will trigger their chase instinct.
- DO NOT RUN. Stand your ground.
- Make yourself look bigger. Raise your arms, open your jacket. If you are with your bike, hold it up to create a larger profile.
- Make loud noises. Yell, shout, and be aggressive.
- Back away slowly. Never turn your back on the animal.
The wild is a beautiful, untamed place, and sharing it with its natural inhabitants is a privilege. Stories like this are a stark reminder that when we enter their world, we do so as guests. Ride with joy, ride with passion, but above all, ride with respect and awareness. The trail is for everyone, and a little caution ensures we can all continue to share it safely.