Residents of Nyabigege village in Kisii County are counting losses after a suspected stray Leopard mauled five of their goats on Tuesday night.
The Tuesday night incident has baffled residents and brings to eight the number of livestock killed by wild animals within the last three months.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday area Chief Edward Kombo said they had already reported the incident to the local Kenya Wild Life Service which has assured them that it will be searching for the stray carnivore.
The chief also added that the residents are now worried that the leopard may resort to attacking children unless something is done urgently.
“I can confirm that a leopard invaded in one of the homes in Nyagigege and managed to maul five goats and so far the Kenya Wildlife Service officers are assessing the situation on the ground” said Kombo
Kisii County deputy Warden Enock Kiangio who led in carrying out the assessment of the damage said KWS would bait the marauding canines as it was the only safe option to trap the animal.
He further called upon the local administration to hold frequent public barazas and educate the residents on the need of reporting such cases to relevant authorities to avoid unnecessary loss of livestock especially during the ongoing drought.
However he assured the affected family that the government will do everything to ensure they were compensated.
“As we look into the compensation claims of the affected family, it is prudent for residents to be cautious on the threat posed by straying wild animals, which may at times attack school children,” he said.
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