US millionaire fatally attacked by buffalo in Limpopo
American trophy hunter Asher Watkins died after a Cape buffalo bull gored him during a hunting trip in South Africa.
Buffalo fatally impaled 52-year-old trophy hunter Asher Watkins during a hunting trip in Limpopo, South Africa.
Reports say Watkins was tracking a 1.3-tonne Cape buffalo bull, often called the Black Death, when the animal attacked and killed him.
Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some expressing sympathy and others claiming the incident was provoked.
SAFARI LABELS ATTACK AS UNPROVOKED
According to Metro.co.uk, Coenraad Vermaak Safaris confirmed Asher Watkins’ death, describing it as a “tragic and sudden” event. The company insisted the buffalo attacked without provocation and had not been wounded beforehand.
Watkins was reportedly tracking the animal alongside a professional hunter and a tracker when the fatal incident occurred.
“This is a devastating incident, and our hearts go out to his loved ones. We are doing everything we can to support the family members who are here with us and those back in the United States as they navigate this tragic loss,” said the safari company.
INTERNET REACTS TO ASHER WATKINS’ DEATH
Watkins’ death has ignited a broader debate around trophy hunting and its associated risks. Social media users have responded with a mix of sympathy and criticism.
Facebook user Janice Marie Foote wrote: “When the hunter becomes the hunted.”
Another, Liz Graham, commented: “He deserved his fate. He travelled the planet killing for fun. Hope the buffalo wasn’t harmed. Karma at its best.”
Others, however, defended Watkins and the hunting industry, with Susan Pate commenting: “You people are clueless! Do your research. It’s big game hunters like Mr. Watkins that keep places like South Africa’s economy going. And I’m pretty sure that buffalo didn’t survive either.”
NFL star condemned for killing prized antelope
Last month, retired NFL quarterback Jay Cutler faced online backlash during his hunting trip in South Africa.
The 42-year-old shared several photos showing off the Sable antelope he had hunted, including one post captioned: “Kicked off the Africa hunt with a beauty. Sable down.”
SABLE ANTELOPE CONSIDERED VULNERABLE
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) classifies the striking Sable antelope as a vulnerable species.
Climate change, habitat loss, and poaching threaten the species. Siyabona Africa reports that conservationists have reintroduced Sable antelopes into Kruger National Park and other protected reserves where they typically live.