I used to do lots of walks. It was always exciting. Sometimes I met a bushbuck,
a duiker or even a herd of kudus. On meeting a wild animal in the bush you
freeze, you stare - the animals too, freeze and stare for just a brief moment,
then they dash away. It often happens so fast, you are not even sure if
what you have just seen was for real… I don't know who usually gets
the bigger fright, them or me!
Imagine: You are walking all alone, all is quiet but for the general bush
noises like birdcalls and cicadas… and then, all of a sudden, you flush
some Francolins. With loud cackling and wing flapping they take to the air
- and your heart is beating twice as fast as before! The scrub hares, too,
are equally 'heart-attack-stuff'! They sleep during the day, under a shrub
or next to a log. If they would stay put you wouldn't even know they are
there, they are so well camouflaged in the undergrowth. But they haven't
got the nerve to stay, and if you get a bit too close to them they dash
away. And boy, are they fast! I once took a video of a sitting scrub hare,
waiting for him to go. And he went. But on the video you couldn't even see
it; even by looking at it frame by frame. On one frame he was there, on
the next one he was gone! So, you can't really blame us for being worried
- we all are at times!
But now, since the four young lions have been released, bush walks have
taken on a different meaning. They have established a territory and are
hunting up and down the Korong-we River, where they have already caught
a zebra stallion. It is recommended that you take a rifle along. Well, I
haven't got a rifle!
We have since received guidelines on what to do when meeting lions on foot:
(this is for real!) 'If you run, they will chase you. Remain calm, face
them and stand your ground. When you feel it is safe, move away backward
very slowly, facing them all the time. If you stare at a lion it is a sign
of aggression. Glance away occasionally but be aware of their body language.
They may mock charge, so if you are carrying a weapon, fire a warning shot,
but do not shoot them unless you have R40,000 or proof it was a life threatening
situation.'
Maddy