Watch the video here:
Berti Nolte submitted this adorable footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa’s Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Joining the adventure
As Berti’s video begins, we join him on a game drive as they pull up to a rather special sighting. Sitting patiently on a termite mound, a group of hyena pups wait for the adults to return.
Hidden behind the tree on the left of the image, you can make out the entrance to their den. Hyenas will often hide their young in old aardvark excavations.
Something in the wind
As they stopped alongside the cubs, the guide explained that the cubs are naturally curious. Moments later, one of them approached the vehicle, sniffing at the air as it tried to identify the new arrivals.
It is safe to assume that this was not the first safari vehicle these cubs had seen. Visits to den sites are popular with guests, resulting in the cubs becoming habituated to their presence from an early age.
Juvenile markings
Then, while its littermate looked on, the curious cub moved in for a closer look at the vehicle. As it does, we note that its coat is still quite dark, with the distinctive spot pattern just beginning to emerge on the head and body.
This means that the cubs are emerging from the transition phase of their markings, meaning they are probably around eight weeks old.
As they grow older, their coats will become lighter with distinctive black spots. By the age of three, there should be no juvenile dark patches.
A closer look
As the onlookers sit quietly, the cub gets progressively bolder. Soon, it is just metres from the vehicle, affording them an up close view of the adorable creature.
Then, having completed its visual inspection of the vehicle and its occupants, the cub decides it is time for a closer inspection.
Seconds later, it is right alongside the vehicle’s back wheel, giving the running board a good sniff. As you can see, the cub is totally at ease thanks to the respectful way in which it has been habituated.
Adding to this, we hear the guide comment that because no adult hyenas are present, they will limit the duration of their visit. Her concern is that should danger approach, she doesn’t want the cubs to be too far from the den’s entrance.
Odd affinity
Subsequently, having seen its sibling investigating, one of the other cubs approaches to form its own opinion. It is interesting to note that hyenas have an unexplained affinity for tyres, occasionally sniffing and even chewing them for extended periods.
With the vehicle now checked and double-checked, the cubs sit down to evaluate their findings. This gives the humans another chance to ooh and ahh at the cute cubs.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Find fun elsewhere
Moments later, it seems the cubs weren’t too impressed by what they’d learnt. Instead, they ran off to pester an older sibling.
In the image above, you can see that the markings on the older cub in the background are much more clearly defined. This means it is somewhere between 3 months and a year old.
Back on watch
As Berti and his companions prepare to leave, the cubs return to the termite mound, patiently waiting for the adults’ return.
They’ll occupy themselves with play and rest, forging the bonds that will be essential in later life.
