-- Research journalist A.S. Asan has survived a hyena attack while on assignment in a remote South African nature reserve.
The incident occurred in Limpopo Province near the Botswana border on August 21st 2025, when Asan was following hyena movements accompanied by a local guide named Darren.
As Asan photographed a lone hyena sniffing a termite mound, a second hyena emerged from the grass, with tense posture and its stare fixed. The animal suddenly charged, snarling as it closed the distance.
“As it bolted forward, I reached for the tranquilliser rifle slung across my back,” Asan said. “I fired just as it leapt, jaws wide open.”
The dart struck the lower part of its neck with precision but the impact didn’t stop it mid-air. The hyena collapsed, shaking its head, growling, then ultimately becoming prey to the sedative.
“I drew a military-grade Swiss knife in case the hyena’s pack was provoked by my actions,” Asan added. The area remained silent.” Darren went to check the hyena’s breathing and asked me if I had done this before - I said ‘Well, it seems I’m on smoke every day’, still processing what could have been seconds before an end.”
The hyena was treated by a vet travelling with the group, and after regaining consciousness it was released back into the reserve. Wildlife authorities confirmed the animal sustained no lasting harm. One thought lingered: the primal sleeps beneath the skin.
Notes to Editor
A.S. Asan is an independent British research journalist focused on wildlife and environmental frontlines. His work has taken him across multiple continents, documenting untold narratives in high-risk environments.
Contact Info:
Name: A.S. Asan
Email: Send Email
Organization: Ventures with Asan
Website: https://www.snapchat.com/@asa.official
Release ID: 89169434
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