Leopard Kills Woman in Uttarakhand’s Nainital, Second Fatal Attack in Five Days
Image credit:Jamshed Ahmad via pexels(REPRESENTATIVE)
A 37-year-old woman was killed by a leopard in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district on Tuesday, triggering fear and protests among local residents. The incident, which occurred in the Khansyu area, marks the second fatal leopard attack in the region within five days, forest officials confirmed.
The victim, identified as Rekha Devi, was attacked while she had gone into the forest to collect firewood and fodder along with other women from her village. The recurring incidents have raised serious concerns over human-wildlife conflict in the hill district.
Background: Attack in Khansyu Forest Area
According to sub-divisional forest officer Mamta Chand, the attack took place in the Badon forest range. Rekha Devi was part of a small group of women gathering forest produce when the leopard suddenly emerged.
“The leopard pounced on Rekha Devi and dragged her deeper into the forest before fleeing when other women raised an alarm,” Chand said.
Forest department officials said a rescue and response team rushed to the spot soon after the alert. The woman’s body was recovered and sent for a post-mortem examination to complete legal and medical formalities.
The incident has deeply shaken residents of nearby villages, many of whom rely on forest resources for daily needs.
Industry Buzz: Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict
The killing has once again highlighted the growing tension between wildlife and human settlements in Uttarakhand’s forest-adjacent areas. Just five days earlier, on December 26, another woman, Hema Devi, a resident of Nainital’s Dini Tali area, was killed in a similar leopard attack.
With two deaths in quick succession, villagers expressed anger and fear, leading to protests soon after Rekha Devi’s death. Residents demanded immediate action, insisting that the leopard responsible be either captured or eliminated to prevent further loss of life.
“Villagers protested and insisted on immediate action. They were pacified after being assured that steps would be taken as per norms,” Mamta Chand said.
Such incidents are not uncommon in Uttarakhand, where shrinking forest habitats and expanding human activity have increased encounters between people and big cats, particularly leopards.
Preventive Measures and Official Response
Following the latest attack, forest officials have intensified surveillance and safety measures in the area. Patrolling has been increased, trap cameras have been installed to monitor leopard movement, and a cage has been placed to capture the animal responsible.
“Necessary preventive measures are being taken,” Chand said, adding that all actions are being carried out in accordance with wildlife protection norms.
Officials also assured the victim’s family of financial support. “Compensation will be provided to the woman’s family after completion of the required formalities,” she said.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid venturing deep into forest areas alone, especially during early morning and evening hours, until the situation is brought under control.
What’s Next
Forest officials are now focusing on identifying whether the same leopard is involved in both fatal attacks. Trap camera footage and ground assessments are being reviewed to track the animal’s movement patterns.
Experts believe that recurring attacks often point to a leopard that has become accustomed to human presence, making capture a priority to restore safety. Until then, villagers remain on edge, demanding sustained action rather than temporary measures.
The district administration is expected to hold further meetings with forest officials and local representatives to assess long-term strategies to reduce such conflicts.
Our Final Thoughts
The repeated leopard attacks in Nainital underscore a serious and ongoing challenge facing Uttarakhand—balancing wildlife conservation with human safety. While leopards are protected under law, the loss of two lives in just five days highlights the urgency of swift and effective intervention. Temporary measures like cages and cameras are necessary, but long-term solutions must focus on habitat management, community awareness, and rapid response systems. For families dependent on forests for livelihood, fear has become a daily reality. Ensuring their safety while preserving wildlife is not just an administrative task but a moral responsibility. The coming days will test how effectively authorities can prevent further tragedy and restore confidence among residents living on the forest’s edge.