Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority have launched efforts to capture and relocate hyenas believed to be responsible for an attack at the Cape Vidal campsite over the weekend.

The Witness reports that a camper was injured on Saturday night in what is suspected to have been a hyena attack. Both organisations said they are working together to safeguard visitors and prevent a repeat incident.

“Efforts are underway to capture and relocate the two or three hyenas believed to frequent the campsite and which may be responsible for recent incidents,” they said in a joint statement.

They said that teams attempted a call-up to lure the animals, but the hyenas remained skittish and did not come close enough for capture.

To better monitor and identify the animals, trap cameras will soon be installed.

While management is reviewing the possibility of erecting full fencing at Cape Vidal, they emphasised that this was, however, not seen as a sustainable long-term solution.

“Fences are not impenetrable and can detract from the wild character that makes Cape Vidal so special,” the statement noted. Even electrified fencing in other wild camps has not completely prevented access by hyenas and other wildlife.

The incident highlights the critical importance of following visitor guidelines designed to help people coexist safely with nature.

“Over the past 15 years, there have only been three hyena attacks reported at Cape Vidal, underscoring that human-wildlife conflict tends to rise when safety protocols are ignored,” read the statement.

Visitor safety is a shared responsibility, the statement said.

“We want to take this opportunity to remind all visitors of the essential safety guidelines to follow in all our reserves and wild camps. Cape Vidal offers a unique natural experience, and we want to preserve its wild character while ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

“By adhering to these guidelines, visitors help protect the integrity of our wild spaces and contribute to a safe, memorable visit.”

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