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Walkerville, South Africa: search for escaped tigress
Photo: Themba Hadebe/AP
An escaped female tiger attacked a man and several animals in South Africa, officials said.
According to police, the big cat escaped from a breeding farm for exotic animals around 30 kilometers from Johannesburg on Saturday after unknown persons cut through a fence.
A 39-year-old was suddenly attacked by the tigress on Sunday on his way home in the small town of Walkerville, a police spokesman told eNCA television.
He was able to call for help and the female tiger was driven away.
Several animals, including two dogs, were killed by the big cat.
According to the information, dozens of police officers, animal rights activists and residents took part in the search for the escaped animal.
They were supported by helicopters and drones.
Tigers do not live in the wild in South Africa.
However, they have been increasingly bred in the country in recent years.
"We are sure that we can capture them now"
The animal protection organization NSPCA warned on Sunday that the animal is still roaming free and is dangerous.
The owners of the female tiger also kept a male on their farm - but this has now been moved to another location.
On Monday evening, the tigress could then be found on the farm premises.
She had apparently returned to her familiar territory in search of food.
"We are sure that we can catch them now," said a village official.
wit/dpa/AFP