|
qkg:contextText
|
They are queer creatures. Ordinarily they are scavengers, feeding on carrion. Yet they occasionally kill mules, cattle, donkeys, and young rhinoceros. Their jaws are so powerful, their strength so great, and they are so tough, that only a number of big, fierce dogs can kill one. When hungry they pounce on and carry off dogs. Yet when hunted they are very cowardly To a man there is absolutely no danger in hunting them; the utmost they will do is snap at a stick when wounded and at bay. They have not a thousandth part of the fury and reckless prowess of the leopard. Yet they are far more apt than the leopard to prey on human beings, even full-grown men; and in certain districts where they are bold and numerous it is dangerous for any man to sleep alone in the open In fact, the hyena is a singular mixture of abject cowardice and utmost ferocity. (it) |
