South African lions are said to have killed and eaten an illegal poacher, leaving only his head behind. According to BBC News, the incident is said to have taken place in Kruger National Park near Hoedspruit, where the unidentified man was attacked and then devoured by the group while hunting.
- The lions didn’t leave much behind. As Limpopo police spokesman Moatshe Ngoepe told AFP, “It seems the victim was poaching in the game park when he was attacked and killed by lions. They ate his body, nearly all of it, and just left his head and some remains.”
- They know the man was there illegally. While they haven’t been able to identify the man just yet, a loaded hunting rifle was found nearby along with ammunition. Given that lion poaching has been increasing in Limpopo province as of late, it was unsurprising that the man was engaging in this cruel and dangerous activity.
- The animals’ body parts are valuable. Lion’s body parts are often used in African traditional medicine as well as in other countries in South East Asia, making poaching a potentially lucrative undertaking. However, it’s also highly illegal.
- Perhaps this will discourage others from following in the man’s footsteps. While it’s unlikely that this man’s death will prevent others from continuing their poaching efforts, it will perhaps make them think twice before killing these beautiful and innocent animals for financial gain.
