Hyenas attacked a tourist in South Africa: a farmer fought off the predators with his hand in their jaws.

Hyena Attack on a Tourist in South Africa

According to The Sun: A resident of South Africa, 27-year-old farmer Nicholas Houls, experienced a horrifying event during his bachelor party — he was dragged out of his tent by two hungry hyenas.

Nicholas was sleeping in the Cape Vidal nature reserve when the two predators broke into his tent and pulled him by the head and leg.

He tried to fight off the hyenas, sustaining serious injuries to his face, arms, and legs. However, the struggle lasted only a few seconds.

“I woke up in pain when one hyena grabbed me by the leg and the other by the head,” Nicholas recounted.

The farmer tried to break free by shoving his hand into one of the hyena's mouth and poking the other in the eye.

His father, Colin, heard his son's screams and quickly ran to the tent with a flashlight. “I did not see the hyenas, but Nicholas was covered in blood,” he recalled.

After his father rushed him to the hospital, doctors determined that the biggest risk was potential infections.

Nicholas received about 30 stitches on his face and another 40 on his arms and legs.

A representative of the wildlife management office confirmed the hyena attack and urged tourists to be cautious with their tents.

“We will catch the hyenas and work on what to do next, but for now, we ask all campers to ensure that their tents are closed,” the agency stated.

Hyenas, which can grow up to two meters in length and weigh up to 86 kg, are dangerous predators. Although they are usually considered scavengers, they can smell food and approach campsites.

“Hyenas in the wild only fear lions and humans, but when they are many, they can attack,” emphasized former ranger Andre Brink.

Conclusion

Nicholas is now recovering under medical supervision, and his father considers him “extremely lucky,” as things could have ended much worse. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for safety precautions while camping, especially in areas where predators may be present. Tourists should be vigilant and exercise caution to avoid similar situations in the future.