Known variously as vampires, witch’s steeds, and sexual perverts, across myriad cultures and throughout human history the hyena has haunted our collective imagination. In the words of Peter Hathaway Capstick, “From the first, faraway woooo-uppp of the pack gathering to the sniggering chitter of the kill, the hyena is telling you something you don’t want to be reminded of: you’re just the meat after all and your day will come.” In episode 24, Jen and Nilo share stories of some unfortunate humans’ encounters with these cackling creatures and discuss the dubious merits of Hyenas (2011) and Endangered Species (2021).

Sources:

Gordon Gryce, The Book of Deadly Animals

Peter Hathaway Capstick, Death in the Long Grass

Peter Hathaway Capstick, Maneaters

James Clarke, Man Is the Prey

Human Prey 1.2, “Killers of the Savannah,” Animal Planet

https://letterboxd.com/animalattackpod/list/when-animals-attack-podcast-viewing-list/

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26294631

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/20/africa/hyenas-kill-man-scli-intl/index.html

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/21/kenya.xanrice

https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/23733/hyenas-2011/