A man celebrating a stag party was viciously attacked by two hungry hyenas that dragged him out of his tent in a game reserve in South Africa. Nicolas Hohls, aged 27, was asleep at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in Cape Vidal, northern KwaZulu-Natal, when the incident occurred late on Saturday. Photos show the South African farmer from Eshowe recovering in the hospital with his family by his side following the assault.
Hohls sustained injuries to his head, face, hand, and leg while defending himself by thrusting his hand into one hyena’s mouth and clawing at its eyes. His father, Colin, recounted hearing his son’s screams and rushing to his aid with a flashlight, which helped scare off the hyenas.
Colin described the harrowing moment when he found his son covered in blood, barely recognizable, and swiftly took him to Netcare Alberlito Hospital for emergency treatment. Hohls underwent plastic surgery on his face and further reconstructive procedures on his hand, remaining under medical supervision.
The family had been camping at the location for nearly two decades, but recent years have seen a rise in encounters with wild animals, which have posed a significant threat. Despite the lack of immediate medical assistance, Colin swiftly transported his son to receive the necessary care.
Authorities have noted that a hyena den was situated near the campsite, emphasizing the importance of securing tents and refraining from feeding wildlife. Measures are being implemented to capture the hyenas found roaming the area, with officials urging campers to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines while visiting the park.
