/ 18 October 2000

PEOPLE-EATING PANTHERS ON PROWL

PEOPLE have taken to barricading themselves into their homes in fear of panthers in the remote northeast of Gabon. In two villages in Mekambo province, “people had taken to barricading themselves inside their houses” following attacks on domestic animals and livestock, the news agency AGP said. The panthers’ unusual conduct has “certain superstitious types believing they are a reincarnation of people who had dark powers while they were alive.” – AFP