Local Psychologist Encounters Spotted Hyena Outside Office in Central Israel

Dr. Sivan Shargai, a clinical and educational psychologist from Sha'ar HaNegev, shared a rare video on Instagram showing a striped hyena wandering in the parking lot outside her office in central Israel. The footage, posted on Tuesday, quickly went viral and sparked widespread online discussion due to the close proximity between Shargai and the wild animal. She reassured followers that she was unharmed and joked about the unusual encounter, saying, "Not every day a hyena undergoes 'shock therapy.'"

The incident drew attention to the increasing presence of striped hyenas near human settlements in Israel. According to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, these animals are found throughout the country but have been increasingly attracted to urban areas due to food availability from human waste. Hyenas have become accustomed to human presence, especially in central and southern Israel, and are frequently seen near towns, factories, and military bases.

Despite their growing proximity to people, striped hyenas generally avoid confrontation and no attacks have ever been recorded in the wild in Israel. However, experts caution that wild animals can behave unpredictably, posing risks to both humans and wildlife. The viral video highlights the need for awareness about coexisting safely with wildlife encroaching on urban environments.