Bushbuck falls prey to snare in Ballito

A beautiful male bushbuck died after getting caught in a snare on Chapman Drive, near Wakenshaw Estate in Ballito recently.

Emergency services and animal experts rushed to help the adult bushbuck in distress.

Netcare 911 media liaison officer Shawn Herbst said the animal was in a bad way when they got to him.

“It was trapped in a wire snare cutting into the flesh around its snout. He also suffered from a badly fractured back leg,” said Herbst.

“The animal was cut free by a nearby resident using side cutters, allowing a multi agency effort between Netcare 911, Specialised Rescue Unit of Ballito and IPSS Electronics to capture the stressed bushuck.”

He said the wounded animal was agitated, which made it difficult to capture him safely. Flag Animal Farm and Ballito Veterinary Hospital were contacted to help.

Despite best efforts from everyone involved the animal’s condition worsened and it died on route to the vet.

Specialised Rescue Unit’s Quentin Power said they are saddened by the increase of illegal hunting and poaching along the North Coast.

“The area where this buck was found has often been reported as an illegal hunting area for youngsters with dogs. Cyclists have also reported snares along the tracks between Ballito and Tinley Manor. Besides animals getting caught, people or children walking along may also fall victim to the snares.”

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