The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued vital safety guidelines following an alarming increase in hyena attacks, particularly in areas near human settlements.
While hyenas are essential scavengers in the ecosystem, they have increasingly encroached on residential areas, raising concern among locals.
In a statement shared on social media, KWS announced the intensification of the #OperationOndoaFisi campaign.
They have noted that a specialized ranger unit has been deployed across key regions, including Juja Farm, Thika West, Ruiru, and Athi River, to tackle the ongoing human-hyena conflict.
Senior Assistant Director for the Southern Conservation Area, Joseph Dadacha, assured the rangers of full support, aiming for a swift resolution to the crisis.
KWS reiterated that hyenas are predominantly nocturnal, scavenging and hunting during the night, late evening, and early morning.
The organization outlined several key safety measures, including:
- Stay Together in Groups: If confronted by a hyena, remain in a group and defend yourself using sticks, stones, or other available objects. Avoid scattering, as this increases vulnerability.
- Proper Waste Disposal: Hyenas are attracted to food waste. Ensuring garbage is covered or burned can prevent them from scavenging near homes.
- Carry Defensive Items: When walking in areas known for hyena activity, carry a stick or stones for protection.
- Children’s Safety: Children should avoid being outdoors in hyena-prone areas during late evening, night, or early morning hours. They should always be accompanied by adults.
- Do Not Run: Never run if confronted by a hyena, as this encourages it to chase. Instead, stand your ground.
- Climb for Safety: If a tree or wall is nearby, climb it to escape. Hyenas cannot climb trees, making it a temporary refuge until help arrives.
- Avoid Sleeping Outdoors: Sleeping in the open increases the risk of an attack, so it’s safer to sleep in enclosed spaces.