Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary (Indian Giant Squirrel).
Pilgrims arrive for the Jyotirlinga at the temple, complete darshan, and leave — most never go 4km further into the protected forest. The 131 sq km wildlife sanctuary surrounding the temple is the last refuge of the Maharashtra state-animal subspecies of the Indian Giant Squirrel.WHY NOBODY KNOWS
A 131 sq km Western Ghats sanctuary (notified 1985) protecting Ratufa indica elphinstonii — the Maharashtra-endemic subspecies of the Indian Giant Squirrel, Maharashtra's state animal. The Bombay Natural History Society + Sahyadri research treks here record 1200+ squirrel sightings per season. Also resident: leopard, sambar, giant squirrel-tailed deer, 200+ bird species including Malabar whistling thrush. 3 trails (2-8km); guided eco-tours via ranger office ₹200/group. Open 6-11am + 2-5pm.
