South Africans have for years chuckled at the occasional comments about free-roaming predators from people who have never visited the country. Yet in the past few months, this far-fetched notion has been a little too close to the bone.

From tigers and hippos to lions and crocodiles, there have been several incidents of dangerous animals on the loose in residential areas.

The latest escape is that of a female lion in the North West, which reportedly got out of its carrier while being transported between two game farms yesterday.

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism in a statement earlier today confirmed that the cat was being moved through Setlagole and Stella, from one game farm to another game farm in Tlakgameng.

“The owner discovered the female lion escaped when he stopped near Tlakgameng to check on the lions. A rescue mission, which involves a helicopter, commenced immediately and the mission continues today. Communities around Setlagole, Stella and Tlakgameng are asked to remain vigilant and not attempt to approach the lion. Instead, contact the department on 018 388 1000/072 333 0325 or their nearest police station,” the statement concludes.

Escaped wildlife

The lioness’ escape follows shortly after a tiger was spotted on CCTV footage in Bedfordview, east of Johannesburg. After a search commenced for the tiger, it was later revealed by a private security company that they assisted in the capture and sedation of the big cat.

The Edenvale SPCA could, however, not confirm the tiger’s recapture, it told the Bedfordview and Edenvale News at the time. A warrant was issued to search approximately five properties in the area as there was no confirmation of the animal’s whereabouts.

Another tiger escaped earlier this year and subsequently injured a man and killed multiple animals. The tiger was eventually shot.

Tigers and lions aren’t the only animals that have been noted in unusual areas. Local musician Desmond Wells recently posted a video of a hippo in St Lucia, KZN.

“I will never tease foreigners again who say wild life wanders the streets of South Africa!”

Spring Advertiser on Tuesday reported about a crocodile being spotted in Springs, Gauteng, while Lowvelder last week Monday reported about a similar sighting in a Mpumalanga township.

In December, Die Pos reported about a warthog that ran into a local butchery in Bela-Bela.

The message in all these cases remains the same – contact the relevant stakeholders as these animals, big or small, may cause injuries.