A wild animal, possibly a leopard, was on the loose in the Eloff area this week.

It was captured on camera during the night of June 22. Several chickens, a lamb, and a goat were also killed, prompting residents to speculate whether a leopard or another wild animal was responsible.

Some believe the bite marks on the lamb are not consistent with those of a leopard, and fingers have even been pointed at a stray dog.

According to a veterinarian in the Bapsfontein area, leopards are endemic to the Bronkhorstspruit region and can travel many kilometres at night. It is therefore difficult to determine whether it will return.

However, Judy Davidson from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Springs confirmed that a leopard was indeed in the area for a short time.

“It was caught on camera, but it has since left the area, and there are no sightings or tracks of it anywhere.

“Everyone in the area is completely safe. There is no need to panic.”

The Mpumalanga Wildlife Protection Services has been contacted.