Lion spotted near Mhlatikop this morning
Cyclists and joggers were warned to skip their daily exercise and pedestrians urged to be careful after a lion was spotted between Mhlatikop and Pestana Kruger Lodge.
MHLATIKOP – Pedestrians, joggers and cyclists were warned to be very careful when in the vicinity of the Malelane Golf Club morning after a lion was spotted in the area earlier this morning.
Interestingly enough, almost a year ago on July 3, two lions were spotted in the same area by police officers.
The MTPA were notified and the animals monitored. The lions later made their way back into the Kruger National Park (KNP) on their own.
Since the area borders the KNP, animals have been known to slip out sometimes and many joggers and cyclists know to remain on their guard just in case they come across a predator. Residents and visitors are also urged to be cautious and to report any sightings.
According to Mel Preddy of the Malelane Community Policing Forum (CPF), there have been several sightings of predators along the Crocodile River throughout the Onderberg.
A Buffalo was reportedly seen near the N4 last week and hyenas were also spotted in the area.
Last week a pack of wild dogs were spotted near RCL Foods’ Komati Mill, darted by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and relocated.
Four lions have also been sighted in Marloth Park since last Monday and are being monitored by authorities. Residents are visitors are urged not to walk or jog between sunset and sunrise, as the predators are more active then.
If anyone spots the lions, they should immediately report it to the Marloth Park rangers.
