Local sources from South Africa: African Insider, Newstalk ZB.
UK coverage: Daily Mail.
In a harrowing encounter that underscores the unpredictability of wildlife and the inherent dangers of camping in their midst, Nicolas Hohls, a 27-year-old man, survived a brutal attack by two hyenas at the Cape Vidal Nature Reserve in South Africa. The incident, which took place after Hohls attended a stag party, left him with severe injuries necessitating the expertise of plastic surgeons for over 70 stitches. The ordeal, lasting less than a minute, showcased Hohls’s quick thinking and survival instincts as he managed to fend off the hyenas, even gouging one’s eye and thrusting his hand down the throat of the other, in a desperate bid for life. His father’s timely intervention with a torch played a crucial role in the rescue. The attack occurred when Hohls, perhaps inadvertently, left a gap in his tent, a mistake that turned nearly fatal when the hyenas dragged him out into the night. This incident has sparked a conversation about the safety of camping in areas frequented by wildlife, especially in regions like KwaZulu-Natal’s Cape Vidal Nature Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity but also for the presence of potentially dangerous animals such as hyenas. These animals, often attracted by the scent of meat or having lost their fear of humans due to baiting, pose a significant risk to unwary campers. Following this attack, and a previous similar incident, authorities at the reserve have been prompted to reassess measures to ensure camper safety, advising against leaving tents unzipped and planning to catch the hyenas involved in the attack. This situation has brought to light the increasing encounters between wildlife and humans at the reserve, prompting a reevaluation of how such interactions can be managed to prevent future attacks. Hohls’s survival story is a stark reminder of the respect and caution that nature demands, especially in places where the wild roams free.
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