A wave of panic swept through a town of southern India’s Telengana, when residents spotted what they believed to be a leopard cub.

The incident took place in Gajularamaram, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad on May 29.

Visuals showed how the jungle cat roaming around was caught by the locals and then released back.

The animal, which turned out to be a jungle cat, caused alarm among the local population due to its resemblance to a more dangerous predator. Upon spotting the wild cat, concerned residents quickly captured it, using the opportunity to take selfies before handing the animal over to forest officials.

The officials confirmed that the animal was indeed a jungle cat, a species smaller and less dangerous than a leopard. The incident highlights the heightened awareness and concern among local communities regarding wildlife, as well as the importance of proper identification and handling of wild animals. Authorities are advising residents to exercise caution and contact professionals in future wildlife encounters.