Free-running K9 unit captures more poachers Posted by Imogen Searra on 22 February 2019 The South African Wildlife College’s free-running K9 anti-poaching unit have yet again proved themselves by apprehending two poachers in the Kruger National Park on 19 February. The free running packs (which are off lead) are relatively new to South Africa, as previously dogs on a lead were successfully used. The method of free-run tracking has proved helpful to the anti-poaching task force units in the Kruger National Park. The task force included the free-running K9 unit, field rangers and aerial pilots. Yesterday #SAWC #K9unit #packdogs instrumental in arrest of two suspected #poachers in the #KrugerPark. #FieldRangers, #dogs, #aerialpatrol teams worked to bring two suspects into custody & assisted in seizing weapons. No #rhinos harmed. pic.twitter.com/flqsbjBkmC — SAWC (@SAWCtweet) February 20, 2019 The suspected poachers were arrested and their weapons confiscated before any animals were killed. The canines were brought in from Texas last year, from a long line of dogs specially trained to track human scent. Last July on their first live run, the dogs successfully captured a poacher. Again, they proved themselves worthy for the job. The free-running dogs can track humans at high speeds, over tricky land, and can run at 40km per hour. Aerial support is necessary to keep an eye on the dogs. The speed of the dogs combined with the efforts of the task force help make up for lost time when tracking poachers on the run. Watch the South African Wildlife College’s K9 unit in action below. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Featured image: South African Wildlife College Related Posts Orphaned baby rhino rescued in Kruger National Park 13 July 2020 SANParks and the Jock Safari Lodge Environmental Monitoring Unit worked quickly to rescue an orphaned... read more Tourism sector dealt ‘severe blow’, says DA 13 July 2020 The tourism sector has been dealt a severe blow with the publishing of the amended... read more Restrictions banning leisure travel gazetted 13 July 2020 Government's regulations banning overnight stays at tourism accommodation for leisure purposes have been confirmed in... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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