India: Killer Leopard Preying on Drunks Stumbling Home Spreads Terror

Everybody knows drinking too much is bad for your health, but how about the threat of being eaten by a killer leopard to promote sobriety?

Reports from India say a wild leopard has targeted drinkers after nights out with 13 sozzled victims so far having been killed by the big cat.

The man-eater is on the prowl in the Didihat region, in the foothills of the Himalayas, and its reign of terror has seen villagers take to carrying sticks with them on boozing sessions - or even give the hooch a miss in favour of a quiet night in.

Three attempts to track down and shoot the leopard have so far failed.

A forest ranger named Singh said: "This month we had sent a team of shooters in the affected village, but they were unsuccessful in their mission. This is the third attempt made so far."

Theories about why the leopard, which is estimated to be around 10 years old, has acquired a taste for human flesh include that its usual diet of dogs is no longer in plentiful supply.