In a breathtaking wildlife moment, a black panther and a leopard were photographed drinking water side-by-side at Karnataka’s Bhadra Tiger Reserve. Captured by photographer Arvind Karthik, the rare sighting has gone viral, fascinating wildlife enthusiasts and scientists alike, as such joint appearances are almost unheard of in the wild.
Visitors and wildlife enthusiasts at Bhadra Tiger Reserve in Karnataka witnessed an extraordinary moment when a black panther and a leopard were spotted drinking water together at the reserve’s backwaters. The sighting, captured on February 9, 2026, by photographer Arvind Karthik, has since gone viral across social media platforms.
Experts believe the black panther is a melanistic leopard, possibly a mother alongside her young, making the sighting even more significant. Such moments are extremely rare, as leopards are solitary by nature and seldom share space peacefully.
The incident underscores the rich biodiversity of Bhadra Tiger Reserve, which has become a hotspot for rare wildlife sightings, drawing global attention to India’s conservation efforts.
Key Highlights
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Rare Wildlife Moment: Black panther and leopard photographed side-by-side.
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Location: Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Karnataka.
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Date: February 9, 2026, during a boat safari.
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Photographer: Arvind Karthik, whose shot went viral online.
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Scientific Interest: Believed to be a melanistic leopard with her young.
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Conservation Impact: Highlights India’s thriving biodiversity and eco-tourism potential.
Sources: Times of India, Saam TV, Esakal, Reuters