Savage lion attack leaves woman dead in South Africa

A lioness hides in the bushes in waiting at Greater Kruger Park in South Africa in a 2017 file photo. A lioness hides in the bushes in waiting at Greater Kruger Park in South Africa in a 2017 file photo. Photo: Rob The Ranger / Barcroft Images London Photo: Rob The Ranger / Barcroft Images London Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close Savage lion attack leaves woman dead in South Africa 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

A lioness mauled a woman to death Tuesday on a private game reserve in South Africa, according to an emergency service.

Netcare 911 paramedics responded to a call about the attack, which occurred about 11 a.m. just outside Dinokeng Nature Reserve in Hammanskraal town.

"Tragically, the victim had sustained severe injuries and she died at the scene," Netcare 911 spokesman Nick Dollman told the Pretoria Rekord North.

Bystanders administered CPR to the 22-year-old victim in an attempt to save her life, but their efforts were in vain.

It was not immediately clear what led to the attack. Cullinan police are reportedly investigating.

The Dinokeng Nature Reserve's website bills it as one of the first free roaming parks featuring the "big 5" species of African animals — lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant — "in Gauteng (province) - and probably in the world – next to an urbanized area."

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The reserve offers self-driven safari routes for visitors.

Earlier this month, a poacher was devoured by the pride of lions he was hunting at a private game reserve in South Africa. Only his head was left untouched.