Leopard cub captured in residential area

MOKOPANE - The spotting of a leopard in Gamka Street has tongues wagging. Jan Mallinson worked with SOS Security over the weekend to try and find the animal which, he says, was last spotted in one of the residential parks between 19:00 - 20:00. A young leopard cub was captured at around 10:00 Saturday morning after residents spotted the angry animal in their garden. It was taken to the Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre.

Jan, who assists with the capture of wild animals as a hobby, believes that it is possible that a leopard and her cubs possibly entered town from the Nyl river's area. He says that while the cub was captured, another sighting reported, but that no evidence was found to substantiate the claim.

Mark Howitt, the manager of the Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre and Loffy Malherbe from the department of economic development, environment and tourism, told Northern News on Monday that they have no knowledge of any other leopard besides the one cub that was captured.

Residents took to Facebook after rumours were spread that a leopard had been shot. Howitt and Malherbe denied any knowledge of any leopards (female or additional cubs) that had been shot and said such allegations are seen in a very serious light. "The handling of any wildlife must strictly be approved by nature conservation," said Howitt. 

Howitt said people should remember they are surrounded by wild animals, therefore it is not such a rare occurence to see wild animals in the town or in residential neighbourhoods. 

The male cub (about 4 or 5 months old) will be kept at the centre until a proper rehabilition facility can be found to host him. 

At this point it is unclear whether the cub's mother could still be in the vicinity or if the cub was roaming on its own. Mallinson warns residents not to approach any wild animals or to make a noise that will most likely scare them off, should they spot them. Rather observe them from a distance and call Mark Howitt at 0824961800 or the office of Nature Conservation at 015 491 8010/8011 to enable them to capture the animals and take them to a place of safety.