A 27-year-old man in South Africa survived a brutal hyena attack while camping at a bachelor party. He revealed the two life-saving actions that helped him escape.
A Bachelor Party Turned Nightmare
What was supposed to be a fun bachelor party camping trip in Cape Vidal Nature Reserve, South Africa, turned into a terrifying fight for survival when 27-year-old Nicolas Hols was attacked by two hyenas in the middle of the night.
Nicolas, who had been visiting the reserve since childhood, went to sleep in his tent after a day of fishing and celebrating with his father and friends. But just after 1 a.m., two unexpected predators slipped through a small gap in his tent — and went straight for him.
Hyenas Strike in the Middle of the Night
According to Nicolas, one hyena sank its teeth into his face while the other clamped down on his ankle.
“One went for my leg and the other for my face and head,” Nicolas told PEOPLE. “I fought them off by ripping my face and ankle free, then attacking the eyes of one and forcing my hand down the throat of the other.”
His quick instincts and adrenaline-fueled reaction may have been the only reason he’s alive today.
The Two Moves That Saved His Life
Nicolas revealed the two actions that turned the fight around:
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Stabbing one hyena in the eye with his thumb.
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Shoving his hand deep into the other hyena’s throat.
The shock of his counterattack caused the predators to back off, giving him a chance to escape.
His father, Colin, who heard his screams, rushed to the tent, found Nicolas covered in blood, and drove him straight to the hospital.
A Miracle Escape
The entire attack lasted less than a minute but left Nicolas with severe injuries. He needed 30 stitches on his head, cheek, and hand, along with deep cuts on his ankle and thigh.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, Nicolas is recovering well:
“The doctors are happy with my progress, and there’s been no sign of infection. For now, it’s about rest and healing,” he said.
His father added that the hyenas were likely stunned because most prey doesn’t fight back so aggressively.
A Warning for Campers
The family believes the small opening left in the tent for ventilation allowed the hyenas to enter, but Colin pointed out that determined predators would have found a way regardless.
Wildlife experts continue to warn campers to always keep tents fully zipped and avoid leaving food nearby that might attract animals.
Courage in the Face of Danger
What could have been a deadly wildlife tragedy turned into a story of survival thanks to Nicolas’s instinct, quick thinking, and bravery. His terrifying encounter is now a reminder of just how dangerous — and unpredictable — nature can be.