In most cases these reports are welcomed by the public with awe and enthusiasm, but there have also been expressions of concern and fear, which are not unexpected as most people are not familiar with these animals.
In a recent incident, a young female Brown Hyena lost her way in the Randburg CBD in Johannesburg.
The incident was unusual because the species prefer secluded, quiet areas and was likely driven into the CBD in a confused effort to escape the heavily populated residential area in which she found herself.
Over a period of two days, conservation organisations, including the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) based in Modderfontein, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA)and FreeMe tried to locate and monitor the animal’s movements.
The organisations worked with the public to ensure both their, and the animal’s, safety and welfare.
The young female was subsequently darted in Randburg and taken to the Johannesburg Zoo.
She had injured her paws and will be treated at the Zoo and kept there until a suitable release site can be found.
Facts on Brown Hyenas:
- Brown Hyenas have been occasionally sighted in suburbia for many years. There was a Brown Hyena shot on Allen’s Nek in Roodepoort over 20 years ago and a Brown Hyena was caught near Gillooley’s Interchange more than 15 years ago.
- Brown Hyenas are scavengers and eatmostly carrion. They will also eat eggs, fruit, insects and small mammals such as rodents.
- They do not pose a threat to humans or pets because they are shy and elusive.
- They live in small clans but forage alone and can move up to 60 kilometres in one evening in search of food.
- Brown Hyenas can exist in an urban environment and go undetected for long periods of time. They can coexist with humans on the urban edge and this could become more and more common as humanity encroaches on their habitat.
- Brown Hyenas are classified as near threatened, are protected by law and permits are required to trap, handle, transport or kill them. Key threats to their survival include: killing as ‘problem animals’, traditional medicine trade and poisoning.
What to do if you spot Brown Hyenas in your neighbourhood:
- Do not harass or chase them.
- You do not need to worry about your safety, they will do their best to avoid you.
- Do not feed them or leave food out for them to access.
- Do not shoot, poison, trap or injure them.
Any concerns can be directed to Ms Kelly Marnewick from EWT’s Carnivore Conservation Programme on 082 477 4470 or Kellym@ewt.org.za; Ms Nikki Wright, senior animal manager at Free Me Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre on 084 514 3562 or nicci.wright50@gmail.com or Ms Isabel Wentzel the national inspector for the NSPCA Wildlife Unit on 011 907-3590, 082 575 0241 or wild3@nspca.co.za
