Lion hunt underway after reports of predators on the loose in KZN

A lion recall led by a private professional hunter is underway in the Gluckstadt area, southeast of Vryheid, in KwaZulu-Natal, following lion sightings and livestock deaths reported in the area on Friday.

Musa Mntambo, communications manager at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, said two organized teams were sent to Gluckstadt to search for lions following recent reports of animals being killed by wild animals. He said a team from Ezemvelo worked alongside a second team led by a professional hunter.

Animal recall is a method of attracting wild animals to a specific area so they can be captured, treated, or relocated.

Mntambo said the lion call began at 7pm on Friday and continued until the early hours of Saturday without success. Teams later returned to the area with the support of a helicopter to help track the lions, which are believed to be hiding in the dense bush nearby.

“There have been three recently confirmed sightings of lions in the Gluckstadt area, which falls under AbaQulusi Municipality. The sightings were reported in areas belonging to Inkosi Zondo and Inkosi Zulu,” Mntambo said.

There were also three reports of livestock killed by lions, which raised concerns about the safety of residents and livestock in the area.

Ezemvelo warned communities in the Gluckstadt area to be vigilant and immediately report any sightings to the local traditional leadership or police station.

“It is important to highlight a recurring challenge in the area, as many livestock owners leave their animals in pasture areas day and night, only collecting them on soaking days or when necessary.

“This practice leaves cattle vulnerable to predators. As a precautionary measure, Ezemvelo strongly appeals to all livestock owners in the areas around Gluckstadt to ensure that their animals are collected and kept in secure enclosures at night to minimize the risk of attacks as lions become active. at night,” warned Mntambo.

He said it was not known where the lions could have escaped from, but that would be determined once they were captured and destroyed.

AfriLatest -Headlines