Leopard kills seven people in India
From correspondents in Ahmadabad, India
20sep03

A LEOPARD has mauled to death at least seven people in western India in the past month, prompting officials to call in hunters to kill it.

The leopard's latest victims were a woman and child, killed in their sleep in Dhanpur, a village 200 kilometres east of Ahmadabad, Gujarat state's financial hub, state conservator HS Singh said today.
"The animal is now entering huts and carrying away its prey," Singh said. "This is very dangerous and shoot-at-sight orders have been given to avoid further damage."

Wildlife wardens laid out at least 10 traps, but the animal has evaded them. Singh said two sharpshooters have arrived to find the leopard and kill it.

Environmentalists say shrinking habitats have forced leopards out of forests in search of food, leading to attacks.

Since 1995, leopards have killed 37 people and injured another 652 in Gujarat state, officials said. Gujarat state has nearly 1000 leopards.

"Killing this man-eater is necessary for the sake of the leopard population in the region. If villagers develop a hatred toward leopards, they may even poison water holes and carcasses, which can kill innocent leopards," said Rohit Vyas, a wildlife warden.