Tourist’s Close Call With Wild Hyena During Feeding Sparks Safety Debate

“Tourist’s Terrifying Hyena Encounter in Ethiopia Goes Viral – Experts Warn of Dangers”

A viral video from Ethiopia shows a tourist’s harrowing experience during a traditional hyena-feeding ritual in Harar. The footage captures the moment a young woman’s cultural encounter turned frightening when a wild hyena came dangerously close to her arm while she fed it with a stick held in her mouth.

The Heart-Stopping Moment:

The woman participated in a local tradition where tourists feed hyenas using mouth-held sticks

One hyena overstepped boundaries, nearly touching her arm as it grabbed food

Her terrified screams echoed as the powerful predator came within inches of her

Expert Warnings:
Wildlife specialists caution that:
✔ Hyenas possess one of nature’s strongest bite forces (capable of crushing bones)
✔ Minimum safe distance is 20 meters from wild hyenas
✔ Feeding wild predators makes them bolder around humans
✔ “No matter how tame they appear, these are unpredictable wild animals” – Animal Behaviorist

Cultural Context:
The practice originated when a local man began feeding hyenas to protect his livestock generations ago. Today, “hyena men” continue the tradition as a tourist attraction.

Mixed Reactions:
Adventurers vs. Safety-Conscious:
😍 “I have to try this!” – @chimapadua
😨 “That bite force near my face? Hard pass!” – @dbroxtonstudio
🛡️ “The hyena men have a special bond with them” – Local guide

Safety Reminder:
While the Harar tradition continues, experts strongly discourage close interaction with wild predators due to unpredictable nature and potential danger.

Source: Briefly News