A vicious hippopotamus on a lake in Kenya has tragically mauled to death a 54-year-old fisherman.
On the evening of January 5, the fisherman named Michael Osano went fishing but failed to return home the same night, with worried family members starting a search for him and his boat the next day.
The family were joined by fishermen in search of Osano and later found his wrecked boat, with searchers locating and retrieving his body from Lake Victoria soon afterwards.
The man’s body had serious injuries that are believed to have been inflicted by hippo bites.
Speaking on January 7, West Karachuonyo Beach Management Unit chairman Samuel Osendo said the hippo overturned Osano’s boat during the attack.
Officials have asked fishermen to avoid operating in areas invaded by hippos
He said: “The hippo broke the deceased’s legs and removed his internal organs before it disappeared into the water.”
Osendo expressed concern over frequent hippo attacks at the beach calling on the Kenya Wildlife Service to intervene and curb the human-wildlife conflict.
Rachuonyo North deputy police commander Nelson Omwenga asked fishermen to avoid operating in areas invaded by hippos.
The officer thanked residents for standing in solidarity with the family during the search for Osano.
Omwenga said: “The family reported the matter to us and the body has been found in bad shape due to injuries inflicted by the wild animal.”
He urged residents to be careful when using the lake to prevent human wildlife conflict.
Osano’s body was moved to Kendu Adventist Mission Hospital mortuary.
Animal attacks are on the rise elsewhere in the world too, with a pensioner in America having to fend off a 300-pound bear raking through her rubbish.
Carol Neighbour, 81, says he survived the mauling only because the bear took her dog.
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