Wildlife

Hyena Terror Grips Eastern Zimbabwe

Attacks by rabid hyenas in eastern Zimbabwe are forcing residents to remain indoors at night and leaving many too afraid to collect food even during the day.

The Herald reports that the animals had previously gone after only livestock.

But it says an expanding population and development are now bringing humans into contact with the mainly nocturnal predators.

“We used to hear hyenas laughing from a distance, and everyone knew that they would not travel all that way to attack humans,” councilman Charles Mukanwa told the Harare-based daily.

“But now the situation is different. We have people who are building their houses where the wild animals used to dominate,” Mukanwe said.

A recent attack took villagers by surprise as one of the apparently rabid animals attacked people sitting in their huts.

Hyenas in parts of Zimbabwe are turning from their usual prey to attack humans moving into their habitat.