Talk To It- 7 Things To Do During A Hyena Attack

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued seven guidelines one should follow in the event they come face to face with a hyena.

This is in response to the worryingly increasing rate of hyena attacks which have sparked fear amongst residents of Juja, Kiambu County.

KWS in a statement on Tuesday, January 9 explained that though hyenas are useful scavengers that clean the ecosystem by getting rid of discarded bones and debris thus preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases, they are not as hardworking predators as lions or cheetahs.

An infographic showing ways to survive a hyena attack. /KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE

Hyenas therefore use unique ways to track down their prey, which includes relying on scavenging birds such as vultures who monitor for easy meals such as dead meat from the sky.

"It is lazy and prefers scavenging easy meals e.g. dead meat rather than chasing prey. During the day, they can be spotted staring at the sky, taking cues from circling vultures as their own unique GPS system to locate a kill," stated KWS in part.

At times, hyenas can attack people and in case of an encounter with one, it is advisable to counter the attack through the use of the following safety tips:

First, stop and don't run as a predator, a hyena will instinctively chase animals which run away.

Furthermore, you are advised not to lie down or pretend to be dead as this will increase the animal's curiosity.

Kenyans are also advised not to show their fears, which can be done by keeping themselves calm by talking to the hyenas.

Minimize movements at night as hyenas are nocturnal, so be cautious when moving during nighttime.

"Don't move away until the hyena does and when you do, continue to face its direction. If it growls or giggles, Stand your ground and never run away. but don't move any closer," added KWS.

"Make a loud noise, look aggressive and frightening, as if you are going to attack."

In December 2023, KWS managed to capture two hyenas in an operation dubbed Ondoa Fisi, which was achieved through the use of a predator trap set in the area within the populous sub-county.

Operation Ondoa Fisi was launched following complaints from people in the area regarding the wild animals terrorising the residents, some of which have been responsible for nightmare attacks on people near human settlements.

Earlier in December, angry residents of Nyacaba village in Juja sub-county blocked a section of Thika Road and stopped police officers from collecting the body of a middle-aged woman who was mauled to death by suspected hyenas.

It was believed that the woman was walking from Nyacaba village to Ndarugu coffee plantation when she was attacked by the animals.

KWS later urged the Kiambu County government to install residential lighting as well as construct livestock-proof pens to prevent hyena attacks on both cattle and other livestock as well as the residents themselves, most of whom are returning home late from their duties.

The wildlife body also asked the county government to restore the abandoned quarries, fence operational quarries, and the Makongeni dumpsite which may act as popular hiding spots for the hyenas.

Hyena captured at Kimincha Farm in Juja, Kiambu County. /KWS