A Story about Hyenas – Part 1
Spotted Hyenas are some of my favourite animals and I am always thrilled to see them.
I was fortunate to see many during this trip, starting with these 2 at the wild dog sighting minutes after entering the Park. I was quite surprised to see the hyenas and the dogs sleep in such close proximity of each other.
This guy was walking along the road before sunrise at the H7 turn off south of Satara.
I saw hyenas north of Satara and realised there was a den. There were about 3 or 4 adults.
There were also 2 younger ones of different ages. I have always had the softest of soft spots for hyenas. But throw in a couple of hyena puppies, and my entire being goes mushy. Just look at this face!
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Stories about Hyenas – Part 2
Driving back to Skukuza it was fast approaching gate closing time. Just a few kilometers south of the gate I came across a mom and her baby, The mom had a very sweet face.
The youngster was very inquisitive and was not shy to approach the car.
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Stories about Hyenas – Part 3
The best hyena sighting of the trip was just a few kilometers before the turn off to Transport dam. On my way to Transport dam on the first afternoon I saw a car next to the road – they said there were a few hyenas sleeping. The grass was fairly tall, and I could not get a good view. After spending a couple of relaxing hours at Transport dam I headed back to Skukuza. When I approached the spot where the hyenas were sleeping, I saw one coming down the road.
I realised that this was another hyena den in a culvert underneath the road. There were quite a few older puppies, but the bigger pups were either playing or suckling in the tall grass a little further from the road.
But there were also two tiny puppies, and they were at the entrance of the culvert right next to the road.
They were the smallest hyena puppies I have ever seen and were absolutely adorable.
The one decided to snuggle with mom.
It was such a tender moment and absolutely lovely to see the bond between the two hyenas.
It was getting late and the light was starting to fade, and I reluctantly left them. But now that I knew where they were, I knew I’d be back.
I stopped by the next afternoon. The bigger pups were not visible, but the tiny ones were out on the side of the road. They were the cutest little things and I could not get enough of them.
It was just so lovely to see these little ones with their mom.
But being cute is really thirsty work.
Some of the bigger puppies came out.
But unfortunately the extremely loud music of a passing car spooked all of them and they disappeared into the den. I waited 10 more minutes, but they did not come out again.
Despite the less than perfect end to my time with them, it had been one of the best hyena sightings I’ve ever had in Kruger. It was without a doubt one of the highlights f the trip.