Leopard attacks guide in Kruger

An emaciated leopard had to be euthanised after it attacked a tour guide in the Kruger Park, and was badly injured in the process. Photo: SANParks

An emaciated leopard had to be euthanised after it attacked a tour guide in the Kruger Park, and was badly injured in the process. Photo: SANParks

Published Jul 3, 2015

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Pretoria - A field guide working for one of the open safari vehicle (OSV) companies operating in the Kruger National Park was attacked by a leopard on Thursday during a game drive.

The incident happened just after 1pm at Alfa Loop outside Skukuza camp.

Eyewitnesses said the guide was with six to eight tourists on his OSV and watching the leopard about 2m from the vehicle.

The animal disappeared, probably went around the guide’s side while the group was still searching for it. The guide had relaxed on the OSV when suddenly the leopard leapt and grabbed his arm, trying to jump into the vehicle.

People in the OSV started hitting the leopard with objects they had with them but it would not let go of the guide’s arm. A tourist in another vehicle rushed and repeatedly used his vehicle to scare off the animal. Eventually it let go.

“We thank the tourist from another vehicle for his quick and decisive action as he saved the guide and tourists’ lives. It is suspected that the leopard was fighting with another one as its hind was badly injured,” said SANParks’ William Mabasa.

The leopard had to be euthanised.

Pretoria News

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