Toddler mauled to death by leopard in Kruger Park
A toddler has been killed by a leopard in the Kruger National Park.
SANParks says the child was attacked in the Malelane area near Crocodile Bridge last night.
Spokesperson, Ike Phaala says the two-and-a-half-year-old boy was the child of a staff member.
The child was attacked and taken by the leopard last night. He was found and rushed to hospital, but tragically could not be saved.
"Immediately upon hearing of the incident, the Section and Regional Ranger went to search for the animal. The animal was found and shot dead to remove the danger of another person falling victim," he said.
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Phaala says such incidents are very rare, but predators can sometimes become used to rangers and tourists.
"This change in natural behaviour can lead to unfortunate incidents such as this. It's an unfortunate risk having to work and live in those kinds of environments," he said.
