Brown hyenas, also known as strandwolves, are unique carnivores native to southern Africa. These animals, characterized by their shaggy brown fur and pointed ears, are often misunderstood. This article explores the behavior of brown hyenas to understand their actual danger level to humans.
Understanding Brown Hyena Behavior
Brown hyenas primarily inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of southern Africa, including the Kalahari and Namib Deserts, and coastal areas. They are predominantly scavengers, with carrion making up a significant portion of their diet. While opportunistic feeders, they may hunt small prey like rodents, insects, or even seal pups along coastal areas. Their powerful jaws and teeth are well-suited for crushing bones to access marrow.
Brown hyenas are largely nocturnal, being most active at night, which naturally limits their encounters with humans. During the day, they seek refuge in bushes, rocky areas, or abandoned burrows. Although once thought to be solitary, brown hyenas live in social groups called clans, typically consisting of 4 to 6 individuals, though sometimes up to 20. Despite living in clans, they often forage alone.
Assessing the Threat to Humans
Brown hyenas are shy and reclusive animals, tending to avoid human contact. Their secretive and nocturnal habits mean they can live near human settlements undetected. Unlike their more vocal spotted hyena cousins, brown hyenas are quiet and do not typically make loud calls.
Attacks by brown hyenas on humans are rare. Most reported incidents are defensive reactions when an animal feels cornered, injured, or when cubs or a carcass are being defended. There is no evidence to suggest brown hyenas actively hunt humans as prey. While they might scavenge from livestock carcasses, this does not mean they killed the animal.
The perception of danger from hyenas is often generalized from spotted hyenas, which are larger, more social, and have a greater history of conflict with humans. Brown hyenas are less prone to such conflicts due to their shyness and nocturnal habits. Their conservation status as “Near Threatened” emphasizes the importance of understanding their true nature to reduce human persecution.
Coexisting with Brown Hyenas
Living in areas where brown hyenas are present requires understanding their behavior to minimize potential interactions. Since they are opportunistic scavengers, securing food waste, pet food, and livestock enclosures can prevent attracting them to human-occupied areas. Farmers who experience livestock losses should carefully assess the cause, as brown hyenas are more likely scavenging an already deceased animal rather than preying on it.
If a brown hyena is encountered, maintaining a calm demeanor and not approaching the animal is recommended. Brown hyenas will almost always retreat from humans if given the space to do so. Avoiding sudden movements can help prevent a defensive reaction. Respecting their space and understanding their ecological role as scavengers contributes to their conservation.