From the day we arrive on the planet and, blinking, step into the sun, there’s more to be seen than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done. An important life lesson, and one so many people seem to forget. Here’s another one: if you’re not careful, a lion might kill you.

Take Matome Mahlale, a South African hunter who is now hunting the great plains of the sky. Mahale, authorities say, was trespassing on a game farm in hunt of a lion when the lion found him. Via the Washington Post:

Matome Mahlale, 24, was part of a group of five young men illegally hunting with their dogs on a property that they shouldn’t have entered, according to a police statement obtained by The Washington Post. In the process, they encountered two lions who charged at them.

While three of the men managed to climb a tree and another escaped, Mahlale and two of the dogs were mauled to death.

A twenty percent death rate—safer than say, cancer! And you know what they say—you don’t have to outrun the lion, especially if he’s already gobbling up your friend. Here’s another idea: don’t illegally hunt lions at all!


Image via AP. Contact the author at gabrielle@gawker.com.