Reserve closed because of bull on the loose

There is a bull on the loose in Monckton's Scenic Reserve

The Department of Conservation suspect a bull is camping in Monckton's Scenic Reserve and have closed the Reserve and Walkway until further notice.

Dave Carlton, Conservation Services Manager has received reports that a bull is loose in this popular Central Hawke's Bay Reserve, west of SH 50 along Ashley Clinton Road.

Checks this weekend have confirmed a bull may be camping there and the Reserve is now closed to the public until the animal has been sorted.

"Parts of the Reserve have quite steep bluffs alongside the track, if a family was to encounter the bull at these spots, they could well be at great risk." We don't want anyone in the Reserve until the animal has been removed he said. A local farmer who tried to confine the bull met with no success either Mr Carlton said, the bull just walked over the fences and returned to the Reserve.

The local farming community have been alerted to watch out for the bull and it is hoped that it may be returned to its owner soon.

However the process for trespassing illegal stock has been started and this will allow the Department to deal with the animal if no one claims it. Anybody who has an interest in or information on the bull should contact the Department of Conservation urgently on 06 834 3111.