Hyenas

Hyenas are large carnivores native to some areas of Asia and most of Africa. Although they are often believed to be members of the dog family, hyenas closest living relatives are meerkats and mongooses, meaning that they are actually more closely related to cats than dogs.

There are 4 different species of hyena: Spotted, striped, brown, and the aardwolf. Aardwolves are much smaller than other hyena species and eat insects rather than scavenged meat.

Fast Facts

1. Weight: 10-80 kg
2. Sometimes spelled "hyaena"
3. Spotted hyenas are also known as laughing hyenas
4. Live in large groups called clans
5. Hyenas mark their territories with their droppings and specialized scent glands

Appearance and Behavior

All hyenas have longer hairs on their necks that become erect to form a mane when they are intimidated. Hyenas have a distinctive gait that results from their front legs being longer than their rear limbs. With the exception of the aardwolf, hyenas have specialized teeth that allow them to consume every part of their prey, including bones and horns. Hyenas are notorious scavengers, but will also hunt live game and hyena clans have been observed bringing down animals much larger than themselves.

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