Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) has given out safety precautions in case of any confrontation with a hyena.
Through their X account on Tuesday, they noted that hyenas are useful scavengers that clean the ecosystem by getting rid of discarded bones and debris thus preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases.
KWS said they are lazy and prefer scavenging easy meals like dead meat rather than chasing prey.
"During the day they can be spotted staring at the sky, taking cues from circling vultures as their unique GPS system to locate a kill. At times hyenas can attack people and in case of an encounter with one it is advisable to counter the attack through the use of safety tips," they said.
Safety tips
The public is advised to stop and not run away from the animal. KWS said as a predator, it will instinctively chase animals which run away.
They advised one to avoid lying down or pretending to be dead as this will increase the animal's curiosity.
KWS advised one to try and show that they are fearless.
"Keep yourself calm by talking to it," they said.
Hyenas being nocturnal, they advised the minimization of movements at night.
"Don't move away until the hyena does and when you do continue to face its direction," KWS said.
The Wildlife Service said that if the animal growls or giggles, you should stand your ground and never run away but at the same time don't move any closer.
"Make a loud noise, be aggressive and frightening as if you are going to attack," they advised.
