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NEED HELP WITH CARNIVORES?
We provide advice for a range of questions or concerns you may have about carnivores. Browse the relevant advice sections below or contact us for advice.
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COMMON HYAENA MYTHS
Hyaenas are scavengers
Hyaena are very successful predators that often hunt alone (75% of the time). Unlike lion and leopard they do not rely on their ambush skills, but are built for endurance.
Hyaenas will attack you
Hyaenas are very intelligent and curious animals. They may show interest in or follow lone walkers in dark quiet locations. This is often mistaken for predatory behaviour. If you do encounter a hyaena, make a detour around it and DO NOT RUN. Running may trigger the hyaena to chase.
Hyaenas cause rabies
Hyaenas, especially in the city of Lilongwe, often eat stray dogs. By doing so they limit the potential spread of rabies.
Hyaenas are grave robbers
This is a common misconception, promoted in the Middle Ages when it was believed hyaenas prowled the earth to dig up and consume the bodies of the dead. These ancient myths have been disputed by scholars and biologists in the last century. Evidence shows hyaenas will scavenge when given the opportunity but that they do not seek out buried bodies.