A group of friends on a safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park had a surprising encounter when a curious hyena attempted to bite and tug at their car door handle!
The group had stopped near a hyena den at sunrise, where playful cubs and adults approached their vehicle. The hyenas inspected the wheels, with one even nibbling at the tyre valve — luckily, without causing damage.
Things took a bold turn when one hyena tried to pull open the door handle, leaving the occupants laughing nervously and grateful they had locked the doors.
This close call is a reminder to always keep car doors locked and windows closed when viewing wildlife.
Spotted hyenas, often misunderstood as mere scavengers, are actually skilled hunters and play a vital role in keeping the bush clean by consuming carcasses and preventing the spread of disease.
