Hyena Facts

Hyena Facts

1. There are four species of hyenas. Despite their resemblance to the Canid family (dogs, etc.), hyenas are more closely related to the Viverridae (civet, mongoose). 

2. The spotted hyena lives about 25 years in the wild and 40 years in captivity.

3. Hyenas are carnivores.

4. Found throughout Africa, south of the Sahara Desert and eastwards through Arabia to India.

5. Spotted hyenas prefer open country, even semi-desert, but they are rarely found in forested areas. They range from sea level up to 13,200 feet.

6. The largest member of the hyena family, and also the most aggressive, the female spotted hyena reaches and average weight of 130 pounds.  Males weigh about ten pounds less.  They are brownish-gray with dark spots.  They have a dog-like face, round ears and sloping hindquarters.  The spotted hyena has probably the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom. Both females and males have external sex organs similar in appearance.

7. In the wild this famed scavenger normally hunts alone and usually at night. To catch large prey they will hunt in packs. Spotted hyenas kill about 95% of their prey but will also scavenge often dining on the leftovers of other predators. Their primary prey include wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, buffalo, topi and most species of ungulates (hoofed mammals). 

8. They tear the bones of their prey with their powerful jaws which permits them to break bones that even a lion could not crush.

Image source:  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Innotata

9. Although they appear more similar to dogs, hyenas are actually more closely related to cats.   

10. Hyenas may reach speed of up to 40 mph and can run for long distances without tiring.  

11. Their keen hearing and sharp eyesight at night make them skilled hunters.    

12. Quite vocal, the hyena makes a strange cry which resembles a laugh, hence the name “laughing” hyena. 

13. Hyenas live in clans that may number as many as 80 individuals which are led by females.

14. The hunting success rate as a clan can be up to 74% compared to hunting alone with a success rate of only 15%. 

15. Hyenas live in clans of as many as 80 members, ruled by a dominant (alpha/matriarch) female.  Daughters inherit their mothers' status. Males are submissive to all females and to the dominant female's offspring. 

16. Breeding occurs once a year with the alpha female having a gestation period of 120 days and then giving birth to 1 or 2 cubs that are totally black in colour. 

17. The Spotted Hyena female has genital organs that resemble that of the male thus making these animals hard to sex at first glance. 

18. Spotted Hyena are the largest species of Hyena and commonly known as “Laughing Hyena” because of their high pitched cackling laugh when they are excited. 

19. The massive powerful jaws can crush bones, teeth, hooves and horns and can exert pressures of up to 800kg per sq inch. 

20. Spotted Hyena are responsible for EATING (Not Killing) more people than any other predator in Africa every year. 

21. They predominately scavenge or hunt at night but have been seen on the prowl at dusk and dawn. 

22. The Spotted Hyena is more closely related to cats than dogs. 

23. Their front legs are bigger than their back ones.

24.  Hyenas can be striped, spotted, or brown.  Hyenas are mammals.

25. Spotted hyenas are born with a full set of teeth. 

26. It’s teeth help bit/kill prey. It’s long thick neck provides a highly muscular structure that complements the powerful cutting and ripping movements.

27. The Hyena communicates using a high pitch scream that is too high for humans to hear. 

28. Hyenas eat a great variety of animal products, vegetation and according to campers aluminum pots and pans!!!

29. Hyenas carry their babies in their mouth.