DEHRADUN, April 6 -- In Uttarakhand, leopards have emerged as a far greater threat to humans than any other wild animal. With a sharp rise in leopard attacks across the state, the Forest Department is preparing to conduct a scientific census of leopards for the first time, alongside the All India Tiger Estimation, in order to obtain an accurate population, count of the leopards.

Despite the tiger being regarded as India's most formidable predator, in Uttarakhand, it is the leopard that instils more fear. From the hills to the plains, leopards are increasingly entering human settlements, even venturing into homes, and showing diminishing fear of humans and even attacking human beings.

Leopard attacks are not only fatal but also lead to a...