Help SANParks identify ‘tyre chewing’ lions in Kruger
Heading to Kruger this weekend? Well there's a 'tyre chewing' lion gang on the prowl and SANParks need help identifying the perpetrators.
A pride of ‘tyre chewing’ lions have been reported north of Satara in the Kruger National Park and SANParks are requesting assistance in identifying the perpetrators.
KNP Managing Executive, Glenn Phillips says, “We have received information from various tourists who have witnessed this behaviour. We would like to appeal to the open safari vehicle operators specifically to be on the look-out as the behaviour of the pride is of concern and might pose danger to occupants”.
Visitors are advised to be cautious if they do come across this pride and witness the behaviour.
Veterinary Wildlife Services aims to collar one of the pride members in order to monitor its movements and gain a better understanding of this strange behaviour and whether it is one individual responsible or whether the whole pride is exhibiting this behavioural issue. This is where SANParks needs your help.
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Visitors are being encouraged to take pics of the pride and share these to SANPark’s social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Guests are requested to photograph the lions in such a way so as to capture unique identifying features such as scars, ear notches and even the unique pattern of whisker spots. Guest safety remains paramount so visitors are only asked to assist if it is safe to do so.
“We also request visitors not to get too close to any animals for footage at a sighting, or refrain from placing any items on the vehicle exterior or tyres which might attract and encourage animals to approach the vehicle,” says Phillips.
