Elderly woman dies after hippo attack in S. Africa

An elderly woman was killed after being attacked by a hippo in Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa, authorities said Thursday.

Hippos are seen at the Kruger National Park in South Africa. [Photo: IC]

The 63-year-old was declared dead on the scene, and there was a possibility that the animal attacked after sensing threat, said Zaid Kalla, spokesman for the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism .

"Assuming the hippo felt provoked, threatened and overwhelmed by the animalistic need to protect its young, it attacked," said Kalla. "Those around managed to escape while the 63-year-old fell victim to the animal."

Kalla said that wildlife experts have been dispatched by the provincial government to catch the animal before it caused further damage.