Bardiya, Dec. 18 -- Four people have been killed in leopard attacks in Bardiya since mid-July, underscoring the growing dangers for communities living near the forest. The latest victim, Dinesh Tharu of ward 10 in Barbardiya Municipality, was killed by a leopard on Wednesday afternoon.

Earlier incidents include the death of Gopi Tharuni on November 28 while cutting grass in ward 11. On August 15, Jagat Rani Tharu was killed in ward 12 of Gulariya Municipality, and Kabita Muktan, also of ward 12, died on September 14 after a leopard attack, according to Gopal Chaudhary, senior officer at the Bardiya Division Forest Office.

During the same period, seven people were injured in leopard attacks, and one person was injured in a tiger attack....