Nicolas Hohls, 27, survived a shocking hyena attack while camping at a bachelor party in South Africa. Learn how two quick actions saved his life during the terrifying encounter.
A bachelor party turned into a terrifying nightmare for 27-year-old Nicolas Hohls when he was attacked by two hyenas while sleeping at Cape Vidal Nature Reserve in St. Lucia, South Africa. The horrifying incident left Hohls with serious injuries but his swift reactions were the key to his survival.
Hohls had been camping with his father and friends at the nature reserve after a day of fishing. Around 1 a.m., after enjoying food and drinks, they went to sleep in their tents. Little did Hohls know, a couple of unexpected visitors were about to disturb his peaceful slumber.
Hyenas Enter Tent Through Unzipped Gap
Just 30 minutes after he fell asleep, two hyenas entered Hohls’ tent through a six-inch gap he had left unzipped for ventilation. He woke up to find one hyena had its jaws clamped around his cheek, while the other was gripping his ankle.
“One went for my leg and the other for my face and head,” Hohls recalled in an interview with 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.”
Survival Instincts Kick In
In a state of shock, Hohls’ survival instincts kicked in. “I reacted immediately. I ripped myself free and went straight for their weak points — the eyes and throat. It was all instinct and adrenaline,” he explained.
The fight lasted roughly 60 seconds, but it felt much longer for Hohls, who was left bloodied and in agony. Hearing his son’s screams, Hohls’ father immediately rushed to his aid.
Father’s Quick Action
“I heard Nic go to bed then suddenly start screaming in agony,” said Hohls’ father, Colin. “A hyena had grabbed his left leg and was pulling him out of the tent. A second hyena grabbed him by his head.” Colin rushed into the tent with a flashlight, and the hyenas quickly fled.
In the chaos, Hohls was found covered in blood, barely recognizable, with a pool of blood on the floor of the tent. Colin wasted no time and rushed his son to the hospital. “My dad jumped into action immediately,” Hohls added. “He found me in a pool of blood, put me in the car, and drove me straight to Ballito hospital.”
Injuries and Recovery
Hohls sustained serious injuries, including 30 stitches in his head, hand, and cheek, along with deep wounds in his ankle and thigh. However, he is making a steady recovery. “I’m doing a lot better. The doctors are happy with my progress, and there’s been no sign of infection,” Hohls shared.
For now, he is focused on rest and healing.
Wildlife Safety Advice
The incident has led to increased awareness about safety in wildlife areas. A spokesperson for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who manage Cape Vidal, stated, “We are going to catch the hyenas and work out the best way to proceed with them but in the meantime we ask all campers to make sure their tents are zipped up.”
The spokesperson also emphasized the importance of safety in wildlife reserves, adding, “It is a wildlife park and we advise all our guests to be very mindful of that.”
A Close Call
While Hohls’ survival can be attributed to his quick thinking and his father’s timely intervention, the attack serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of camping in wildlife areas. His incredible story of survival is both terrifying and inspiring, showing the strength of the human spirit in the face of danger.
