Even if Spotted Hyenas were not the most numerous large predator around Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park – and I think they are – they’re definitely the most frequently encountered, a fact borne out yet again by the many rendezvous we had with these fascinating creatures during our visit to the Skukuza-area earlier in January.
Spotted Hyena near Leeupan, north-east of Skukuza Rest Camp
On a night drive from camp, following the course of the Sabie River, we crossed paths with several clans all searching for food.
We paid frequent visits to a Hyena den just a few kilometres south of the camp, where the many curious cubs kept us well entertained. These encounters were definitely in the “cute and cuddly” category.
We were awed by their tenacity when we spent time with this group of four Hyenas who were following the hunting wild dogs we shared with you a few days ago. While they couldn’t keep up with the pace of the painted wolves they were not put off, hoping that if they stayed on the spoor of the dogs they would catch up with them and could steal their meal. As it turned out the kill was quickly consumed by the wild dogs and the hyenas were left without a morsel by the time they arrived, but I am sure this will not prevent them trying again!
Definitely the scariest run-in with a Spotted Hyena during this latest trip was with an individual who popped into the Tshokwane Picnic Spot while we were having breakfast. Luckily he didn’t stay long and moved off again without using those powerful jaws on any of the humans.
We’d love for you to join DeWetsWild on a guided tour of the Kruger National Park or to help you arrange a self-guided visit. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
DeWetsWild 
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You got some great photos and video of them, Marilize! The cubs are kinda cute. They are definitely one of the odder looking mammals in the world.
Most certainly one of our favourite animals, Siobhan!
Dries
‘Cute and cuddly’ as hulle dalk klein is, maar as hulle groot word, is hulle nie meer so mooi nie. Daardie grynslag lyk darem alte veel na ‘n skelmstreek wat net wag om te gebeur!
Ons is regtig gaande oor hienas, Corna – miskien juis omdat hulle altyd lyk of al die ligte by die huis aan is!
Haha, dis een van die beste beskrywings wat ek nog gehoor het van hienas!!
I think they need to wear a sign: Use caution around our cuteness!
For sure, Kathy!
So tussen ons, ek weet min mense hou van hulle, maar ek is mal oor hiënas!
Ons stem heeltemal met jou saam, Una. Ons is altyd bly om op hienas af te kom wanneer ons deur natuurplekke reis.
Julle het net die ongelooflikste fotos geneem, de Wet!
Baie dankie, Una!
Imagine seeing a hyena at Tshokwane! That must have been an interesting encounter. These animals have an unfair reputation for being ugly and unpleasant: you videos show them to be interesting, caring and rather thoughtful animals in terms of their own clans or families. They perform an important function in nature too!
We absolutely love hyenas, Anne. They always appear so purposeful with whatever they’re doing. But I don’t trust them anywhere near humans, especially when they’ve lost their natural fear because they’ve been fed. If they have the courage to attack zebras, to my mind they’ll have no trouble going for a lone person – especially small or frail ones – when they no longer consider humans a threat.
Hul het darem maar gevaarlike sterk kake, geen wonder daar bly niks oor as hul begin kou nie.
Nog een van die natuur se perfekte skepsels, Ineke.
Daar slaan jy die spyker op sy kop. Beslis perfek.
Yes, that last one might be a little too close. Glad it worked out.
As were we, Janet!
I thought again about your daughter’s fondness for hyenas while putting this post together.
😘. I thought of her as soon as I saw the post in my Reader.