Man Attacked by Hyenas Survives by Targeting Their Weak Points

A man who was sleeping in his tent at a bachelor party has revealed the two critical actions that saved his life after he was attacked by a pair of hyenas.

Nicolas Hohls, 27, was in his tent at the Cape Vidal Nature Reserve in South Africa when two hyenas entered his campsite through a small, unzipped gap. The group had been fishing and celebrating, and Hohls had gone to bed around 1 a.m.

Just 30 minutes later, he awoke to a horrifying scene. One hyena had clamped its jaws around his face, while the other was biting his ankle.

"One went for my leg and the other for my face and head," Hohls told PEOPLE. "I fought them off by ripping my face and ankle free, then attacking the eyes of one and forcing my hand down the throat of the other."

Hohls credits his survival to two immediate, instinctive responses:

1. Fighting back instantly: He reacted without hesitation, ripping his face and ankle free from the animals' grip.

2. Targeting their weak points: He went straight for the hyenas' most vulnerable areas—their eyes and throat.

The entire ordeal lasted about 60 seconds. After hearing his screams, Hohls' father, Colin, rushed to his aid, finding him in a pool of blood. He immediately drove him to the hospital.

Hohls required over 30 stitches to his face and hand, in addition to deep wounds on his ankle and thigh. He reported that he is recovering well, with no signs of infection.

A spokesperson for Ezemvelo KZN Wild Life, which manages the reserve, confirmed the incident and stressed the importance of visitors keeping their tents securely zipped. They stated that they would attempt to capture the hyenas involved. They reminded visitors that the park is a wild environment and guests must be mindful of their surroundings.