Wildcat fatally injured by vehicle
A wildcat was fatally injured after being knocked down by a vehicle on the Silicon Road near the Polokwane Game Reserve on Sunday morning.
POLOKWANE – A wildcat was fatally injured after being knocked down by a vehicle on the Silicon Road near the Polokwane Game Reserve on Sunday morning.
The serval was taken to the nearest vet for medical attention, but municipal spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, confirmed that the African wildcat died later that day as a result of injuries sustained.
“At this point it cannot be confirmed if the cat comes from outside or within the nature reserve as the area is their natural habitat.
“However, reserve management is processing an assessment of the prevalence of these cats within the game reserve as they may pose a danger to recently born young animals like various species of bucks and other vulnerable small animals.
“The wildcats’ uncontrolled presence in the game reserve may affect the population growth of the affected animals or prey found in the game reserve,” Mothapo explained.
Asked what safety measures residents must apply when they find wild animals like the serval, Mothapo advised that people who come across a wild animal should steer away from it and alert the nearest authorities as soon as possible.
The municipal nature conservationist can be contacted at (015) 290 2333.
