This is Shebo from the Falana clan whose name means ‘snare’ in Orominya. Shebo had the misfortune to be caught in a snare, probably set to kill hyenas but possibly set for other pest animals. If I had the means I guess I could sedate her and remove the wire but I just have no way of doing this so she’s stuck with it. The wire is gradually getting tighter and you can see it’s cutting right into the flesh of her neck and must make life pretty uncomfortable and painful, although hyenas supposedly have a high tolerance for pain.
Snares are a problem across Africa, especially in countries where the taking of bush meat is on the increase and hyenas, being quite curious animals, are especially prone to getting caught in snares. For a number of reasons, hyenas aren’t usually eaten in Africa so when one is caught in a snare it is usually left to its own devices rather than killed and eaten as would be other kinds of animals. But even if they can break the snare free from its anchor point, they’ll be stuck with the tightening wire until the injury becomes too severe and they die.
Could the snare be cut with pliers? You said you need to sedate her, is it because she would bite you if you try to approach her and cut the wire?
ReplyDeleteThat's sad. I wish someone finds a way to help her.