https://www.iol.co.za/ios/news/kzns-mis ... s-30765745
KZN's missing lions are 'probably hyenas'
NEWS / 14 AUGUST 2019, 11:19AM / DUNCAN GUY
Lions have indeed been at large in communal areas around the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park but, in the latest scare, the creatures have turned out o be hyena, say authorities.
DURBAN - Two lions reported to still be at large since a group of 13 lions escaped from the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park about a month ago may in fact be another type of feared creature.
Not the feline with the potential to feed on humans, but something more canine: hyenas.
KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife spokesman Musa Mntambo said: “Last week we heard of two lions out and on investigation we found hyena spoor.”
He said that “a month or so ago”, 13 lions had escaped and that members of communities in the area around the reserve had reported their presence to Ezemvelo.
“Within a few days we captured all 13 of them and returned them to the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.”
The area has a history of local communities living in fear of lions at large. Two years ago eight lions were reported to have escaped and been recaptured.
Last year, Sabelo Masondo, walking in a rural area near Vryheid, encountered a lion. He escaped over a fence with the lion in pursuit. He reported that it had torn his jeans and was in a severe state of shock when admitted to hospital. He needed pyschological counselling, according to reports.
Game farms in the area, none of which kept lions, joined the search.
The Independent on Saturday