A reveller on a stag party in a South African game reserve woke to a nightmare when two hungry hyenas dragged him from his tent after a night of heavy drinking.
The incident happened in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park at Cape Vidal, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, late on Saturday, 30th August.
Pictures show 27-year-old farmer Nicolas Hohls from Eshowe recovering in hospital surrounded by his family after the attack.
He suffered wounds to his head, face, hand and leg after fighting back by shoving his hand down one of the hyenas’ throats and clawing at its eyes.
Picture shows Nicolas Hohls, 27, in hospital, undated. He was attacked by hyenas at Cape Vidal in northern KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Note: Private photo. (Newsflash/NX)
His father, Colin, said he was sleeping in a nearby roof tent when he heard the screams and ran across with a torch, which helped drive the hyenas away.
Nicolas was taken to Netcare Alberlito Hospital in Ballito where he underwent plastic surgery on his face on 31st August.
Doctors have since carried out further reconstructive surgery to his face and hand, and he remains under observation.
Colin said his family had camped at the site for nearly 20 years, but that the presence of wild animals in the camp had become a serious problem in recent years.
He added that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the conservation authority, had not contacted him since the attack.
Picture shows Nicolas Hohls and his wife in hospital, undated. He was attacked by hyenas at Cape Vidal in northern KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Note: Private photo. (Newsflash/NX)
Visitors reported last month that a hyena den was located directly behind Campsite 28, alongside other wildlife including bushpigs, monkeys and a baboon.
Ezemvelo said the latest attack involved campers who had left their tent partly open after a party, and that steps were being taken to capture the hyenas roaming the campsite.
Officials urged all visitors not to feed wild animals and to ensure tents are securely closed at night.
(Mike Leidig / newsX)