A man attending a bachelor party was viciously attacked by two ravenous hyenas that dragged him out of his tent in a game reserve in South Africa. Nicolas Hohls, 27, was asleep in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park at Cape Vidal when the incident occurred after a night of heavy drinking. Photos depict the farmer from Eshowe, South Africa, 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 down one hyena’s throat and clawing at its eyes. His father, Colin, recounted rushing to help upon hearing the screams, using a torch to scare off the hyenas. Colin described the harrowing moment when he found Nicolas covered in blood, barely recognizable, and swiftly transported him to the hospital for medical treatment.
Due to the lack of paramedics nearby, Colin drove his son to Netcare Alberlito Hospital in Ballito, where he underwent plastic surgery on his face immediately. Subsequent reconstructive surgeries on his face and hand were performed, and Nicolas remains under medical observation.
Colin mentioned that their family had been camping at the site for nearly two decades, but recent years had seen an increase in encounters with wild animals in the campsite. He expressed disappointment that the conservation authority, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, had not reached out after the attack.
Reports from visitors indicated that a hyena den was situated close to Campsite 28, where various wildlife, including bushpigs, monkeys, and a baboon, resided. Ezemvelo stated that steps were being taken to capture the hyenas that had been roaming the campsite after the incident involving campers leaving their tent partially open post a party.
Officials advised all visitors against feeding wild animals and emphasized the importance of securely closing tents at night. A spokesperson for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife assured that efforts were underway to capture the hyenas and ensure camper safety, urging everyone to be cautious in the wildlife park environment.