The Kenya Wildlife Service has listed so precautionary measures that people should take when attacked by stray hyenas
This comes following the recent cases of hyenas attacking people around Juja, Kiambu County that have resulted in deaths including a boy aged 5 who was mauled last week.
In an attempt to avert repeat of such cases KWS has not listed some methods that Kenyans can use to scare away the hyenas in case they try to attack you.
- Hyenas mostly scavenge or hunt at night, beware of hyena at night, late evening and early mornings
- To avoid attracting hyenas from scavenging near human settlements, cover waste disposal areas or burn the garbage
- When walking in hyena infested areas, arm yourself with stones and sticks
- Avoid movement of children late in the evening, at night or early morning. They should always be escorted by adults
- When confronted by hyena, do not give it your back or run away. Running away encourages the hyena to chase and attack you
- If you are in a group, stay together and do not scatter, use any weapon at your disposal to attack the hyena.
- Avoid sleeping in the open as you can be an easy target to hyenas
- Hyenas do not climb trees, if there is tree or a wall nearby climb it and stay calm until you are rescued
