#prey

Unlike lions, wolves, tigers or really any creature similar to them in the food chain other than some very aggressive snakes, leopards are pure psychopaths especially in scenarios of disputed territory.

With almost all other predators after either a stare down (with lions and tigers) or combined stare down with some tactical hits (with wolves) you can fundamentally make the creature respect you and consider you a worthy adversary who isn't erratic such that it will leave you in peace even when your back is turned and you're stroking it etc.

The thing with leopards is there's never an 'okay we're buddies' stage. They will wait for hours playing nice and hunt you the moment you sleep or let your guard down with back turned etc.

It's much worse than lions even in the way they attack, leopards like to keep their prey alive and bleeding out slow so it keeps a good taste throughout the eating session if they happen to get full before they finish it.

Leopards are truly cruel creatures.