Lions cause panic in Moz
2007-10-29 10:07
Barue - A pride of lions is causing panic in the rural district of Barue in Mozambique, official radio has reported.
An environmental inspector from a government department was injured by one of the lions killed in a government-approved operation last week.
Radio Mozambique said three lions from a group of five - which had killed more the 11 cattle - continued to wander in the Barue district, putting the life of residents at risk.
Elias Jose, director of economic activities in the Barue district, said the injured official - who was attacked by the lion he had shot - was recovering in hospital.
Authorities had set up teams of hunters composed of members of that community to hunt the three lions, which were sighted in the mountains near the border with Zimbabwe.
Wild animals wandered the area freely and there were no fences to keep them from entering residential areas.
This year, the Mozambican government authorised the killing of problem animals after more than 30 people were reportedly killed by animals in the first six months of 2007.
Elephants, crocodiles, hippos and lions were among the problem animals, which had killed people.
- SAPA