Leopard and Puma killed in a road accident in Belize

A Leopard and a Puma fell victim to the overspeeding of vehicles in Belize on Wednesday. The big cats lost their lives in two different incidents that occurred at Southern Highway and George Price Highway, respectively. Following the incidents, the Belize Forest Department asked people to drive slowly and respect the lives of animals."The Forest Department would like to remind the general public to always be vigilant and exercise caution when driving. During the past few days, the forest department has received information of two incidences of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Wildlife-vehicle collisions not only cause harm to wildlife but can be costly, dangerous or even fatal for humans," the statement by the Belize Wildlife Department added. The department also asked the people to report incidences of wildlife vehicle collisions and roadkill such as tapirs, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays and jaguarundis at 8221524 or through its Facebook messenger.How to be vigilant• Taking special care and attention near animal crossing warning signs• Always obeying speed limits and wearing safety belts• Minimize distractions from passengers and accessories, you’ll be more likely to spot approaching animals.• Using your high beams whenever possible. This will give you more time to spot and react to animals on the road.• Slowing down gives us and wildlife more time to react.Following the accidental killings of these two animals, people also expressed outrage and shared some suggestions to reduce such incidents from occurring. "Humans are destroying the habitats where these animals lived happily and roamed freely while hunting for their food. These poor animals are coming out to get water and food. Raccoons are all over the city, strange birds are seen in the city too. This is where organizations need to come together with a plan to save these animals and keep them within their habitats. I notice when there are housing projects being built, all the shady trees are being cut down and then land filled with clay. Keep the oak and large trees in place and work around them when marking off the lots," wrote one social media user.