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Rabat – The Moroccan National Agency of Water and Forests (ANEF) has ruled out the possibility of lion attacks in Khenifra in central Morocco, and in Oulmes in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region following an extensive on-site investigation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the agency reported conducting a thorough exploration mission in collaboration with local authorities and the Royal Gendarmerie after numerous reports and eyewitness testimonies claimed the presence of a lion in the region.
The alleged lion sightings were in Khenifra’s Sebt Ait Rahou commune and Tribe Ait Boukhayou, as well as in Oulmes’s Tifoughaline and Bouquachmir forests.
The investigation revealed that these reports were not accurate as the traces and footprints found were identified as belonging to a canid species, likely a dog or a North African golden wolf.
The on-site investigations focused on locating traces in reported areas and adjacent zones while gathering additional information from local sources.
In addition, an autopsy conducted on a lamb in Oulmes, presumed to have been attacked by a lion based on local testimonies, revealed bite marks inconsistent with those of a lion.
ANEF explained that the measurements of the bite marks were relatively small, thus ruling out the involvement of a large feline and suggesting a canid instead.
The agency has also carried out a drone sweep, covering the forests adjacent to the reported areas, but no observations or clues were found.
ANEF concluded that its teams continue their on-site investigations, remaining vigilant for any reports or sightings of wild animals to verify their accuracy and take appropriate action.
The investigation was initiated in response to local reports of a lion posing a threat to residents’ safety and instilling fear, particularly among those living in villages near forests.”
