An Unexpected Visitor at Pretoriuskop
This short but delightful clip, was filmed by Bouwe Spiekerman during a night drive near Pretoriuskop Camp. The video manages to capture a moment that feels both surreal and strangely endearing.
Under the cover of darkness, a couple of flashlights illuminated small portions of the bush. To everyone’s delight, some spotted hyenas approached the safari vehicle with what seemed like cautious interest.
Rather than circling or moving away, however, one of the hyenas leaned in closer. In a strange turn of events, it began to gently nibble and tug at the canvas side of the vehicle.
There was no aggression in its posture; instead, the behaviour looked exploratory or almost playful. It was as if the hyena was trying to figure out exactly what the unfamiliar object was.
Inside the vehicle, someone can be heard laughing quietly, clearly amused rather than alarmed by the interaction.
Curiosity Over Confrontation
Hyenas are often misunderstood as purely aggressive or dangerous animals, but in reality, they are among Africa’s most intelligent predators. This gentle mouthing of the canvas is a classic example of exploratory behaviour, similar to how young mammals investigate the world around them.
Hyenas frequently use their mouths to test textures, smells, and resistance, much like dogs do. The canvas, carrying a mix of human scent, dust, and possibly food residue, would have been especially intriguing.
In the wild, it’s important to be able to read an animal’s body language, so that you can keep yourself and the animals safe. Since the hyena didn’t attempt to tear or bite forcefully, this suggests curiosity rather aggression.
It seemed like the hyena had no interest in attempting to access anything inside the vehicle.
An Adorable Partner in Crime
Adding to the charm of the scene was the presence of a hyena cub lingering in the background. The youngster watched the adult while it wandered around, seemingly fascinated by what it was doing.
This observational behaviour is an important part of how young hyenas learn. Cubs spend much of their early lives watching adults interact with their environment, learning what is safe, what is edible, and what is worth investigating.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
The cub’s interest in the canvas encounter was likely less about the vehicle itself and more about understanding the adult’s response to a novel situation. Scenes like this show us how learning in the wild often happens through imitation rather than direct instruction.
A Reminder of Respectful Viewing
While this encounter was harmless and amusing, it also serves as a reminder of why strict rules around night drives exist. Remaining still, quiet, and respectful allows animals to behave naturally without feeling threatened or provoked.
The silent laughter from inside the vehicle reflects the perfect response: observe, enjoy, and allow the moment to unfold without interference.
The interaction may not have involved a chase, hunt, or dramatic confrontation, but it captured something equally special: the softer side of wildlife encounters. In the gentle nibble of canvas and the curious gaze of a cub, we’re reminded that wild animals are not just survivors, but thinkers, learners, and explorers.