When most people imagine dangerous encounters with wildlife, lions, leopards, or snakes often come to mind. Yet, experts warn that one of Africa’s most underestimated predators—the hyena—poses serious risks to humans who cross paths with it in the wild. Though hyenas are often depicted in pop culture as cowardly scavengers, the reality is far different. Hyenas are powerful hunters, highly intelligent, and fiercely territorial. An unexpected encounter can turn fatal if handled incorrectly.
So what should you never do if you find yourself staring into the piercing eyes of a hyena? Wildlife experts, rangers, and conservationists have weighed in with advice based on decades of experience. Their consensus is clear: a wrong move could cost you dearly.
Misconceptions About Hyenas
Before diving into survival tips, it’s important to clear up some myths. The spotted hyena, the most common and aggressive of the species, has long been misunderstood. Movies and folklore often portray hyenas as cowardly scavengers feeding only on leftovers. In truth, spotted hyenas are apex predators capable of taking down wildebeest, zebra, and even young buffalo.
“They’re incredibly skilled hunters, operating with strategy and teamwork that rivals wolf packs,” explains Dr. James Karanja, a Kenyan wildlife ecologist. “When people dismiss them as scavengers, they underestimate just how dangerous and intelligent these animals really are.”
Hyenas also possess one of the strongest bite forces in the animal kingdom—estimated at 1,100 pounds per square inch (PSI), strong enough to crush bone with ease.
With these facts in mind, let’s look at what experts say you should absolutely avoid doing if you encounter one.
❌ What You Should Never Do When Facing a Hyena
1. Never Run Away
Running is perhaps the most instinctive human reaction when confronted by a predator—but in the case of a hyena, it’s also the most dangerous.
Hyenas can sprint at speeds of up to 37 miles per hour, easily outpacing a human. To them, running signals prey behavior and triggers their hunting instinct.
“Turning and running tells the hyena: you’re food,” says South African game ranger Pieter van Rooyen. “You can’t win that race. Your only chance is to stand your ground.”
2. Never Turn Your Back
Even if you don’t run, turning your back is another mistake. Hyenas are opportunistic predators, often testing for weakness. Losing sight of one—even for a moment—can invite an attack.
Experts advise maintaining eye contact without glaring aggressively. This signals awareness and confidence, which discourages the hyena from approaching closer.
3. Never Panic or Make Erratic Movements
Waving your arms wildly, screaming in fear, or stumbling backward are all signs of panic—and hyenas are quick to exploit vulnerability.
“These animals are clever enough to recognize fear,” notes Tanzanian conservationist Aisha Suleiman. “Calmness can mean the difference between intimidation and survival.”
Instead of panicking, experts suggest steady, deliberate movements. Sudden gestures can either provoke aggression or make you look like weakened prey.
4. Never Approach or Try to Feed Them
Some travelers make the mistake of thinking they can tame or distract a hyena with food. This is a critical error. Feeding hyenas encourages boldness, reduces their fear of humans, and makes future encounters more dangerous.
In parts of Ethiopia, where hyenas are sometimes fed by locals in ritual practices, these animals have become increasingly fearless—occasionally entering villages in search of easy meals. Wildlife experts warn tourists never to imitate this behavior.
5. Never Isolate Yourself
Hyenas are rarely alone. Even if you see a single individual, others may be hiding in the shadows nearby. Hyenas operate in clans of up to 80 members, led by dominant females.
Being alone increases your vulnerability. If you’re with others, stick together and present a unified, larger presence. This discourages the hyena from making a move.
6. Never Corner a Hyena or Threaten Aggressively
While showing fear is dangerous, so is being overly aggressive. Hyenas are confident predators and may interpret threats as a challenge. Cornering them or advancing too closely could trigger a defensive attack.
Wildlife experts stress the importance of balance: you must project confidence without escalating confrontation.
✅ What You Should Do Instead
While the list of what not to do is important, survival depends equally on knowing the right steps to take. Experts recommend the following:
- Stand Tall and Firm: Make yourself appear larger. Spread your arms or hold out a jacket if possible.
- Maintain Eye Contact: But don’t stare aggressively. Show awareness without hostility.
- Back Away Slowly: Give the animal space and avoid sudden moves.
- Use Tools at Hand: Flashlights, sticks, or even loud claps can discourage hyenas.
- Seek Higher Ground or Shelter: If near a vehicle, climb in. If near rocks or trees, position yourself safely.
Real-Life Encounters
Case Study: Night Safari in Kenya
In 2018, a group of tourists on a night safari in the Maasai Mara accidentally found themselves surrounded by three spotted hyenas after stepping out of their vehicle. One panicked traveler attempted to run back, but was stopped by the guide.
“The guide shouted at us to stay together and not move suddenly,” recalls one of the tourists. “The hyenas circled for a while, then eventually lost interest.”
Had the tourist run, experts believe the hyenas might have given chase.
Case Study: Ethiopian Villages
In Ethiopia, where hyenas sometimes enter villages in search of food scraps, attacks have been reported on livestock and even children. Villagers have learned survival techniques—making loud noises, lighting fires, and staying in groups.
One villager told a BBC reporter: “If you run, they come after you. If you stand and shout, they think twice.”
Why Hyenas Approach Humans
Hyenas don’t typically hunt humans, but there are circumstances where encounters occur:
- Scavenging Behavior: Attracted to garbage or leftover food near campsites.
- Habituation: Hyenas in areas with frequent human presence may lose their natural fear.
- Desperation: During droughts or food shortages, they may become more daring.
- Curiosity: Hyenas are naturally inquisitive, sometimes approaching to assess threats.
Understanding these motivations helps in predicting and preventing dangerous situations.
Expert Advice for Campers and Tourists
- Secure Food and Waste: Never leave scraps outside tents or vehicles.
- Avoid Night Walks: Hyenas are nocturnal hunters; most encounters occur after dark.
- Travel with Guides: Local experts know how to handle wildlife better than tourists.
- Carry a Flashlight: Bright lights often deter nocturnal predators.
- Stay Inside Vehicles: On safari, always remain in the car unless instructed otherwise.
Psychological Battle: Fear vs. Calm
Facing a predator is not just a physical challenge but a psychological one. Experts say that maintaining composure can shift the balance in your favor.
“Predators are constantly reading body language,” explains Dr. Karanja. “If you project panic, you invite attack. If you project calm confidence, you often avoid it.”
This doesn’t mean you should underestimate the danger—but it does mean survival often depends on managing fear.
Conclusion
Hyenas may not have the regal reputation of lions or the stealth of leopards, but they are every bit as formidable in the wild. An encounter with one is a high-stakes moment where your instincts could betray you.
Experts agree on the golden rules: never run, never turn your back, never panic, and never try to engage directly. Instead, stand tall, stay calm, and back away slowly.
As ecologist Aisha Suleiman puts it:
“The hyena is not a villain—it’s a survivor. If you respect its space and act wisely, you both walk away unharmed.”
In the end, surviving a face-to-face encounter with a hyena is about respect—respect for its power, intelligence, and role in the ecosystem. Humans who understand this are far more likely to walk away with a story, not a scar.