KWS Advises Kenyans How To Avoid Hyena Attack Amid Increased Cases In Juja: "Talk To It"

• Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) explained the importance of hyenas to the ecosystem, pointing out that they should be protected.
• KWS stated that by scavenging bones, they maintain balance in the ecosystem, preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases
• Kenyans were advised to follow a set of safety tips in case they encountered the scavenger amid a rise in attacks

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kiambu - Areas of Juja have been plagued by frequent attacks by a cackle of hyenas that have left pain and distraction in their wake.

The latest attack by the animal resulted destruction of property, prompting the residents to form a search party to find the marauding cackle.

Why are hyenas important?

However, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has underscored the importance of the scavengers, pointing out that they should be protected.

"Hyenas are considered very important to the ecosystem by scavenging bones; they help in preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases," read the statement.

KWS explained that hyenas regularly stare into the sky to identify circling vultures to help locate their next meal.

How to avoid attacks by hyenas

In the wake of the increased attacks, KWS issued a raft safety tip for Kenyans to follow when attacked by hyenas.

1. Stop and do not run

KWS explained that as a predator, the hyena's instincts would naturally chase animals that run away; hence, people are advised to avoid running away.

2. Do not show fear

Kenyans have been advised to be calm in the face of an attack by hyenas. This, KWS said, could be achieved by talking to it.

3. Do not lie down or pretend to be dead

Contrary to popular belief, lying down would only arouse the hyenas' curiosity, resulting in the worst.

4. Make a loud noise

Another unorthodox safety tip includes making a loud noise looking aggressive and frightening as if you are going to attack.

5. Do not move away until the hyena does

Always wait for the hyena to walk away before proceeding; when you do, continue facing in its direction.

6. Stand your ground

If the hyenas growl or giggle, never run away; instead, stand your ground but do not move any closer.

7. Minimise movements at night

The most effective safety tip that has been used for years is that people should avoid moving around during the dark since hyenas are nocturnal.

How hyena attacked a Makueni boy

In a related report, TUKO.co.ke reported that residents of Kiumoni village, Kathonzweni sub-county, in Makueni county, reeled from shock after a marauding hyena attacked a young boy.

The Grade One pupil was on his way to school when the animal came out of the bushes and lunged at the unsuspecting boy aggressively

According to Citizen Digital, the early morning incident left the youngster, who is currently bedridden at Makueni County Referral Hospital, with serious injuries.