By Alimamy Jalloh
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – A hunter in Falaba District, who wishes to remain anonymous, has disclosed details surrounding the capture and death of a leopard in his village in early August 2024.
The hunter, speaking in Kuranko during an interview with local stakeholders, recounted the events leading to the leopard’s entrapment on his farm. He explained that his intention was to set traps for smaller bush animals, not for a leopard. The traps, designed to capture animals by holding them securely, were placed around his property.
Upon inspecting the traps the following morning, the hunter discovered unexpected damage to one of them. The metal wires used in the trap were dislocated and severed, suggesting that a large and powerful animal had struggled to escape, causing significant disruption.
As he continued his inspection, the hunter noticed claw marks on the ground leading towards another trap, indicating the presence of an unknown and formidable creature.
Concerned for his safety, he decided to withdraw from the area and seek assistance from three fellow hunters in his village, making a total of four hunters.
Upon returning to the site with his colleagues, the hunters located the leopard, which had become ensnared in the second trap. The leopard was found struggling and suspended off the ground, tethered by a nearby tree. The hunters faced a considerable challenge in capturing the animal. They eventually managed to subdue it by strangling it, resulting in the leopard’s death.
After the encounter, the leopard was brought to the village, where the hunters explained the situation to local stakeholders. The primary hunter was questioned by the stakeholders regarding the incident. He confirmed that neither local authorities nor a chief were involved in the situation; only his fellow hunters assisted him.
He also stated that he did not inform anyone outside his immediate group about the incident.
This detailed account highlights the unexpected challenges faced by local hunters and the complexities involved in managing wildlife encounters in the region.