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," Hohls tells PEOPLE of the attack. I knew I had to fight to survive," he adds, telling PEOPLE, "I reacted immediately. I ripped myself free and went straight for their weak points — the eyes and throat. "Hohl's screams woke his dad, who was in the rooftop tent above him. If the hyenas wanted to get in, they would have found a way regardless, and that's exactly what happened.