Martin Muleya
MUTARE-A sense of fear has gripped the Fern Valley area in Mutare, as residents report sightings of a hyena roaming the neighborhood under the cover of darkness.
The nocturnal predator is believed to be active between 7pm and 5am, making eerie sounds that have left residents on edge.
Although no attacks or casualties have been reported, the presence of the hyena has sparked widespread fear and concern among residents. Many are now hesitant to venture out at night, and parents are worried about the safety of their children.
ZimParks national spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said that he was sending a team of wildlife experts to the area to assess the situation and develop a plan to safely capture or relocate the animal
“We take the safety and concerns of our residents seriously. We will work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that the hyena is removed from the area and that our residents can feel safe again,” said Farawo in a telephone interview.
He added that: “We have responded to the problem of the hyena. An awareness was carried out as usual to discourage people around the area to practice proper waste management.
“What is attracting the hyenas is food, so there is abundance of food. So people should not litter around and make sure they do not leave food unattended because that is what is attracting the hyenas,”
Ward 10 councillor Calvin Matsiya confirmed the existence of the nocturnal animal in his ward adding that a team from Zimbabwe Wildlife and Parks Management visited the area and set a trap.
“It is there and it has been spotted several times. The hyena is being trapped by ZimParks rangers so that it can be caught and relocated to a safe place.
“This hyena stays in Gombakomba Mountain and regularly visits the residence in the Valley. ZimParks in collaboration with Mutare City Council Police are making frantic efforts to track, capture and relocate it. It is a male Hyena big in stature from those who saw it and it starts making eerrie sounds from as early as 7pm. It is located in different places in Fern Valley. It is also heard crying as late as 4am,” explained Cllr Matsiya.
The residents have made a collective appeal to the City of Mutare’s wildlife management department to assist in getting rid of the hyena. They are calling for a swift response to prevent any potential attacks or dangerous incidents.
“We are living in fear, not knowing when the hyena might strike. We urge the City of Mutare to take immediate action to capture or remove the hyena from our neighborhood.”
“We understand that hyenas are wild animals and can be unpredictable. However, we expect the authorities to take proactive measures to ensure our safety and well-being,” said a resident.
