No fencing planned for Cape Vidal after latest hyena attack on camper, say KZN authorities

CapeTalk's John Maytham is joined by Musa Mntambo, communications manager at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. 

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority have released a statement following the latest hyena attack on a visitor at Cape Vidal.

A 27-year-old camper is being treated for his injuries in hospital, after managing to fight off two hyenas who entered his tent this past weekend.

RELATED: 'My head was inside the hyena's mouth': KZN camper attacked by two hyenas survives to tell the tale

The statement emphasizes the need for visitors to comply with provided safety guidelines.

Ezemvelo and iSimangaliso also say that following the weekend incident, they are 'taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of all visitors'.

These include work to capture and relocate the two or three hyenas they say often roam the campsite and are suspected to have been responsible for the recent incidents.

In conversation with John Maytham, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife's Musa Mntambo clarifies that there have been three hyena attacks at Cape Vidal over the last 15 years, with two of these happening last month in August.

While the authorities are re-evaluating the need for full fencing at the campsite, it is not considered a viable long-term solution.

"The campsite is fenced for the elephants, not for the other animals, because people enjoy seeing the animals close by."

Musa Mntambo, Communications Manager - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Mntambo makes the point that if visitors stopped leaving accessible food at campsites, the hyena would move to look for food in other places.

"What we need to do is more education and also try to catch those people who don't follow the rules and then discipline them accordingly."

Musa Mntambo, Communications Manager - Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation