Wild cats are usually seldom seen as they make their way through the natural landscapes, but as Cape Town’s caracal populations become increasingly exposed to urban areas the number of sightings have risen.
One very casual caracal spotted particularly often, named Hermes by the Urban Caracal Project and tagged as the 33rd caracal in the project, has been seen strolling along mountainous paths from the Kirstenbosch area to the front of Table Mountain.
Hermes was tagged last year after he was hit by a car and badly broke his leg, which he miraculously survived through treatment.
There have been two sightings of this majestic individual within the last six months and he is always very relaxed and calm when spotted.
The Urban Caracal Project attributes Hermes’ laid-back air to the fact that caracals who live near urban areas develop a false sense of safety and become accustomed to human activity, saying Hermes is a good example of this.
Kyle Kingsley and Henk van Dyk recently shared their sightings of Hermes, who is a beautiful wild cat indeed.
You can keep in touch with the Urban Caracal Project via their Facebook page or check out their website for more information about the work they do.
Picture: Facebook/The Urban Caracal Project