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The footage was shared by wildlife photographer Sohan Singh, who described the sighting as a “surreal moment that will live on as Bhadra’s legacy for years to come”
The Black Panther and his bold mother quenching their thirst in the serene Bhadra Backwaters. (Image: Instagram/@Sohan Singh-the_wildeye_captures)
Wildlife sightings often capture attention online, but some moments stand out simply because they are so rarely seen. A recent video from Bhadra Tiger Reserve is creating a buzz among nature lovers after showing an unusual and calm interaction between two powerful predators. The clip, now widely shared on social media, shows a black panther and a leopard standing side by side while drinking water, a sight that many viewers have described as rare and fascinating.
The video, which has been widely circulated on Instagram, begins with a leopard calmly drinking water at the edge of a forest water body. Moments later, a black leopard, commonly referred to as a black panther, slowly approaches from behind. In a rare display of calm coexistence, the two predators are seen standing beside each other while drinking water, their silhouettes reflecting clearly on the water’s surface.
The footage was shared by wildlife photographer Sohan Singh, who described the sighting as a “surreal moment that will live on as Bhadra’s legacy for years to come.” While posting the video, Singh reflected on how rare wildlife moments unfold when timing, patience and nature align perfectly. He described the black leopard alongside its fearless mother drinking water peacefully in the backwaters of Bhadra, captioning the video as,”When the Stars align, Magic happens ✨The Black Panther and his bold mother quenching their thirst in the serene Bhadra Backwaters.”
Wildlife experts and enthusiasts note that such peaceful proximity between two large predators is often witnessed in natural habitats. The moment’s quiet intensity and natural harmony have contributed to its widespread admiration online.
Located in the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats, Bhadra Tiger Reserve is considered one of southern India’s significant wildlife habitats. The protected forest region spreads across parts of Karnataka, covering areas of Chikkamagaluru district, including Chikkamagaluru, Narasimharajapura and Tarikere taluks, along with Bhadravati taluk in Shivamogga district.
The reserve is widely recognised for its diverse wildlife population and dense forest terrain, making it an important conservation zone and a popular destination for wildlife observation.
Social Media Reacts To The Rare Wildlife Scene
The video quickly gained attention across social platforms, with viewers describing the encounter as breathtaking and once-in-a-lifetime. Several users expressed awe at the calm behaviour displayed by both animals.
One viewer described the sight as breathtaking, while another remarked that moments like these highlight nature’s unmatched beauty. A third user noted that the final frames of the video created goosebumps, reflecting the emotional impact such rare wildlife encounters can create.
February 14, 2026, 19:09 IST
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