A group of hikers in South Africa were enjoying a day in the mountains, but the local baboons weren't having it and they let them know they weren't welcome there.
The adventurers were rappelling the mountain when angry baboons on a cliff started throwing rocks down at them. At one point, they were able dislodge a large boulder and roll it off the cliff. The huge rock smashed on the ground and broke into shards of “razor-sharp rock” which struck the hikers. Three of them suffered broken legs and another was treated for cuts. A fifth hiker was knocked over a ledge but was caught by his safety harness. But it didn't end there.
As the hikers called for help, the baboons continued to throw rocks at them, forcing them to seek shelter. Luckily for them, a rescue helicopter was able to find them in the remote area and airlifted them to safety. (NY Post)
Scott's Thoughts:
- One of the hikers said he didn't think the baboons were being aggressive or trying to hit them on purpose. Then again, after what just happened, he doesn't want to say anything about them.
- Experts say the baboons are used to seeing hikers on the mountain but not used to seeing them repel down, so that may have confused for frightened them.
- Those baboons are strong and can throw some heavy rocks.