January 14, 2011 3:16:31 am
An animal that looked similar to hyena was spotted in Boradi Vasti,Moshi,on Thursday,sparking panic in the area for around two hours. Some residents spotted an animal visibly different from a dog in the area around 11 am. The animal later reportedly disappeared,leaving behind footprints. The body of a dead dog was also found nearby,adding to the panic.
Forest officials were alerted. MN Hazare,round forest officer,who visited the spot said,We have seen hyenas in the same area before. We have never heard of these animals attacking humans. In this case,prima facie the impressions look like those of a hyena. But one cannot be sure till a proper examination is done. We have sent the foot impressions (in plaster of Paris) to the Zoological Survey of India.
On possibility of the animal having killed the dog,Hazare said,The condition of the body suggested the dog have died seven-eight days ago. We cannot connect it to the animal attacking it… I have shown the villagers photos of hyena and they said it looked similar. We are awaiting the report.
Hazare said if an area had surrounding hills or even sparse vegetation,hyenas can be found there.
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards.
