MANILA, Philippines — Broadcast journalist Gretchen Ho shared a close encounter with a spotted hyena during a safari at Timbavati Game Reserve, recounting how wildlife guides helped keep her group safe.
Ho posted a video on Instagram showing a spotted hyena approaching her group while they were having sundowner drinks during a late afternoon game drive.
In her post, Ho said the animal appeared interested in a cooler containing food and explained that their safari guide instructed everyone to remain calm as the hyena approached.
“Our guide Brett kept calming us down and said that the scavenger was eyeing our cooler pack of goodies,” Ho wrote, adding that the guide remained near the vehicle while carrying a rifle.
Ho said the hyena observed the group before eventually walking away after their tracker, identified as Oscar, stood his ground and maintained eye contact with the animal.
“The lone spotted hyena was studying us carefully, trying to smell and look for signs of vulnerability,” she wrote.
According to Ho, the guide told the group the hyena was unlikely to attack eight adults but noted that young children could be at greater risk during similar encounters. She said this was one reason safari operators enforce minimum age requirements for game drives and open bush walks.
Ho also reminded her followers to remain calm during wildlife encounters.
“Always stay calm. Do. Not. Run,” she wrote.
She added that spotted hyenas have powerful jaws capable of crushing bones and said the animal later followed a pack of African wild dogs, apparently waiting for an opportunity to feed after a successful hunt.