Watch: Lion on the loose in the Eastern Cape shocks motorists

Motorists driving along the N10 highway this past weekend were in for a shock when they came across an escaped lion.

Well, this is the last thing you want to see in the next lane: Motorists travelling alongside the N10 on Saturday evening were given an almighty fright, after an escaped lion was seen ambling by the roadside.

LION ON THE LOOSE! ROAD USERS STUNNED BY CLOSE ENCOUNTER

The jaw-dropping encountered forced Eastern Cape authorities to issue an immediate warning to other road users travelling between Cradock and Middelburg, and they cautioned against any pit-stops on the highway.

“Reports of a lion that has been spotted along the N10 between Cradock and Middelburg. Motorists are hereby warned not to make any pit stops and must continue with their journey with extra caution. Emergency services have been despatched.”

Eastern Cape Department of Transport

WATCH: MOTORISTS DRIVE PAST LION ON N10, EASTERN CAPE

The footage – which has since gone viral online – shows a motorist pulling up by the roadside and shining his lights on the roaming lion. The predator sizes up the vehicle, before turning its back and walking into the carriageway.

Thankfully, no humans or felines were hurt during this exchange – and the highway-dwelling animal has since been recaptured by game farm workers. Their search required additional hunters, and the use of a helicopter.

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL…

It remains a mystery how the animal escaped in the first place. Perhaps he wanted to live life in the fast mane? Or maybe he was looking for a ‘p-ride’ somewhere? Either way, the N10 is now operating as normal – and the curious cat is almost certain to be placed under a more watchful eye going forward.

By: Tom Head

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