Suspected poacher likely killed by elephant in South African reserve

A suspected poacher appears to have been killed by an elephant in South Africa’s vast Kruger National Park.

The park announced via Twitter that the body of the suspect was discovered Thursday in the Stolznek district as a result of an “intelligence-driven” search.

“Initial investigations suspect that the deceased was killed by an elephant and left behind by his accomplices,” Kruger National Park stated. The park added that no animals had been killed in the area and that poaching of elephants for their ivory tusks will not be tolerated.

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“Criminals stand to lose their lives and freedom,” the park warned.

African elephants can weigh up to seven tons; their tusks can weigh more than 150 pounds apiece. The pachyderms are highly intelligent and this would not be the first instance of an elephant killing or injuring a poacher.

Kruger National Park, which spans more than 7,500 square miles, is home to more than 140 species of large mammals, including tusked elephants and rhinoceroses.