Lions cause panic in Mozambique

A pride of lions is causing panic in the rural district of Barue in Mozambique, official radio reported on Monday.

An environmental inspector from a government department was injured by one of the lions killed in a government approved operation last week.

Radio Mozambique said three lions from a pride of five had killed more the 11 cattle and continued to wander in the Barue district, putting residents at risk.

Elias Jose, director of economic activities in the Barue district, told the radio station that the injured official—who was attacked by the lion he had shot—was recovering in hospital.

Authorities had set up teams of hunters composed of members of that community to hunt the three lions, which were sighted in the mountains near the border with Zimbabwe.

Wild animals wander the area freely and there are no fences to keep them from entering residential areas.

The Mozambican government this year authorised the killing of animals after more than 30 people were reportedly killed in the first six months of 2007.

Elephants, crocodiles, hippos and lions are among the animals which pose a danger a humans. - Sapa