'Don't run, talk to it', KWS advises Kenyans in case of a hyena attack
National
By
Esther Nyambura
| Jan 09, 2024
A hyena hunting at Amboseli National Park. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has hilariously grabbed the attention of netizens.
KWS now advises that you try talking to a hyena and remain calm, should you encounter it.
In the wake of increased hyena attacks across the country, the Wildlife Service has told Kenyans to avoid running when they come face to face with one, as the wild animals will likely put up a chase as is in their nature.
KWS, on Tuesday, January 9, stated that hyenas are naturally lazy predators that prefer dead meat rather than chasing prey.
Therefore, if one maintains their ground, the animals might walk away without causing any harm.
According to KWS, this is what to do if you encounter a hyena:
- Stop, don't run. As a predator, it will instinctively chase animals that run away.
- Don't lie down or pretend to be dead as this will increase its curiosity.
- Try not to show your fear, keep yourself calm by talking to it.
- If it growls or giggles, stand your ground -never run away but don't move any closer.
- Make a loud noise, look aggressive and frightening as if you are going to attack.
- Hyenas are nocturnal animals, so minimize movements at night.
- Don't move away until the hyena does and when you do continue to face its direction.
Their remarks come days after a 10-year-old boy was mauled to death by a pack of hyenas in Juja, Kiambu County.
According to the residents of Gwa Kigwi village, the marauding hyenas attacked the children as they were heading home, and dragged the boy to a nearby swamp where they feasted on him.
This was not the first time hyenas were attacking residents in Juja. In November last year, another child, nine years old, was mauled to death as they were heading home from church.
Similar cases have been reported several times including in Rongai area.
However according to KWS, such attacks can be avoided if one talks to the hyena or makes aggressive sounds that can chase it away.