12 Interesting Facts About Hyenas: Amazing and Unexpected Facts

11 min readSep 28, 2023

Discovering Interesting Facts About Hyenas is one of the most fascinating animals in Africa. They have a unique appearance, a complex social life, and a remarkable ability to adapt to different environments. But they are also often misunderstood and underappreciated by humans.

In this article, we’ll reveal some of the most interesting facts about hyenas that will make you see them in a new light.

Basic Information About Hyenas

AttributeInformationScientific NameVarious species (e.g., Crocuta crocuta for spotted hyena)FamilyHyaenidaeSizeVaries by species, generally 28–35 inches (70–90 cm) tall at the shoulderWeightVaries by species, typically 50–190 pounds (23–86 kg)Lifespan12–25 years in captivity, shorter in the wildHabitatVaried habitats including savannas, grasslands, and desertsRangeAfrica, the Middle East, and parts of AsiaDietCarnivorous, opportunistic hunters and scavengersSocial StructureLive in clans with complex hierarchiesReproductionUsually have 2–4 cubs per litter; gestation period of about 3 monthsUnique FeaturesPowerful jaws, distinctive vocalizations, cooperative huntingPredatorsHumans and occasionally lionsRole in EcosystemScavengers, help control disease by consuming carcassesNotable SpeciesSpotted hyena, striped hyena, brown hyena, aardwolfTop SpeedVaries by species, with spotted hyenas capable of reaching speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h)

Interesting Facts About Hyenas

Hyenas are truly fascinating creatures, and learning about them can reveal some captivating insights. Did you know that there are three species of hyenas in the world? While the spotted hyena is the most well-known, there are also striped and brown hyenas, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors.

One of the most intriguing facts about hyenas is their remarkable adaptability; they can thrive in a variety of environments, from the African savannas to the dry deserts and even at high altitudes in the mountains. These adaptable predators are known for their hunting prowess, as they are skilled both at tracking down prey and scavenging for food.

1) Hyenas Are Not Dogs

Hyenas are often mistaken for dogs, but they are actually very different animals. They belong to a separate family of mammals called Hyaenidae, which is more closely related to meerkats and mongooses.

They have amazing features that set them apart from dogs, such as their bone-crushing jaws, their scavenging skills, and their female-led social structures. In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways that hyenas are more than just laughing dogs.

2) Hyena Family Life

They are not only fierce predators but also loving parents. They have a complex family life that involves courtship, cooperation, and care. Hyenas take their time to find a suitable partner, spending months getting to know each other. Once they form a bond, they stay together for life and raise their cubs as a team. Hyenas usually have two to four cubs per litter, which are born in a safe den.

Hyena parents are very attentive and protective of their young, feeding them and guarding them from danger. They also teach them how to hunt and survive in the wild. Hyenas stay with their parents for about two years, until they are ready to start their own families. This family structure is essential for their success, as they depend on each other for support and strength.

3) They Are Amazingly Intelligent

Hyenas are super smart animals, but many people don’t realize that because they think they only eat dead animals. They have amazing brains and skills that make them as smart as some of the smartest animals in the world. They can work together to hunt and catch animals that are bigger and stronger than them.

They also have very interesting social lives, with clear rules and ways of talking to each other that help them live in big groups.

They can remember where to find food and how to get along with their group members. In the wild, being smart is very important for staying alive, and hyenas have shown that they are very clever and flexible animals.

4) Big Eaters

Hyenas have a reputation for being big eaters, but they are also very smart and resourceful. They can eat almost anything they find, from insects to large mammals. They don’t just go for the juicy meat, but also the bones, hooves, and even the hair of their prey.

They have amazing jaws and teeth that can break through the hardest materials. This way, they make the most of their food and leave very little behind. Hyenas are not only efficient eaters, but also ecological helpers. By eating the whole carcass, they prevent it from rotting and spreading disease in their environment. So, hyenas are not just greedy gluttons; they’re nature’s ultimate recyclers.

5) Laughing Sounds

Hyenas are famous for their laughing sounds, but they are not actually laughing. These sounds are their way of communicating with their clan members. They use these calls to share important information about their location, status, and mood. They also use them to warn others about potential dangers or opportunities.

So, instead of laughter, these sounds are more like messages that say “Hi,” “I’m here,” or “Look out, something’s happening!” These amazing vocalizations show how hyenas talk to each other and stay connected within their social groups.

6) Powerful Jaws

Have you ever wondered how hyenas can eat bones? It’s not because they have a weird taste for crunchy snacks, but because they have amazing jaws and teeth that are specially designed for this purpose. Hyenas have some of the strongest jaws in the animal world, which let them crack open even the hardest bones and hooves of their prey. This way, they can get to the delicious and nutritious marrow inside, which is a great source of energy and minerals.

Hyenas are very smart and efficient scavengers because they don’t waste any part of their food. They also help keep their habitats clean and healthy by getting rid of the dead animals that could otherwise spread diseases. So, next time you see a hyena’s jaw, don’t be scared — be impressed by their incredible adaptation and their role as nature’s bone-crushing recyclers.

7) Leading Ladies

Who runs the world? Hyenas! Well, at least the female ones. In hyena clans, the girls are usually bigger and bossier than the boys, and they have a lot of influence over their group. This is especially true for the spotted hyenas, who have strong and smart female leaders called matriarchs. These ladies are in charge of keeping the peace and making plans for their clan. They decide when and where to hunt, scavenge, and socialize.

The male hyenas, meanwhile, are more shy and less important. They have to follow the rules and respect the females. This is how hyenas are different from many other animals, and it shows how awesome and powerful the female hyenas are in their communities.

8) Territory Markers

Do you know how hyenas mark their territory? They have a very special way of doing it. They have glands near their butt that make a smelly and sticky paste. Hyenas use this paste to show their power and ownership of their land. They rub it on grass, rocks, and anything else they can find in their area.

This way, they tell other hyenas that this place is taken. It’s like their way of saying, “This is our home; back off!” This marking helps them keep their clan safe and organized. It also helps them avoid fights with other hyena groups by showing where their land ends and another’s begins. So, for hyenas, scent marking is a very important way of keeping peace and order in their world.

9) Good Teamwork

Hyenas are amazing team players, and that’s why they are so good at hunting and scavenging. When they hunt, they work together like a well-oiled machine, showing great skill and planning. They can even take down big animals, like zebras or wildebeests, that would be too hard for one hyena to handle alone.

This teamwork involves each hyena having a specific job, such as some hyenas running after the prey, others blocking the way out, and some going for the kill. Their smarts and their ability to talk to each other make them awesome hunters, showing how teamwork makes the dream work in the animal kingdom.

10) Different Beliefs

Hyenas are not just fascinating animals, but they also have a rich and varied cultural history in Africa. In different parts of the continent, people have believed that hyenas have magical powers or links to the spirit world. These beliefs have inspired many myths and stories, where hyenas are often seen as both scary and awe-inspiring.

In some cultures, hyenas were thought to be protectors or guardians of certain places, while in others, they were a sign of trouble or doom. These different views show how important hyenas are in the culture and how humans have a complicated relationship with these mysterious animals in Africa.

11) Adaptable Survivors

Hyenas are amazing and flexible survivors, known for their ability to thrive in a variety of African habitats. “Interesting Facts About Hyenas” reveal that they can make their home in the green savannas, dry deserts, or even high mountains. Hyenas have learned how to adapt to different habitats. They can find and eat many kinds of food because they are good at hunting and scavenging.

Hyenas can also change their hunting methods depending on the situation, making them very good at dealing with changes. This adaptability has helped them stay alive in the wild, even when their habitats are facing problems and changes.

12) Nature’s Cleanup Crew

Hyenas are nature’s cleaners in their world. They have amazing skills to get rid of dead animals. When hyenas find a dead animal, they eat everything — not just the meat but also the bones, hooves, and even the hard bits. This way, they stop dead animals from rotting and making their world sick.

By eating up the dead animals, hyenas make their world healthier and cleaner for themselves and other animals. They have a very important job in their world, making sure that nothing goes to waste in the food chain. This is very good for the health and balance of their world.

Different Types of Hyenas

1) Spotted Hyena

Spotted hyenas are the most famous and the biggest of all hyenas. You can easily tell them apart by the spots on their fur and their strong body. They have amazing jaws that can break bones and they have very interesting social lives.

2) Striped Hyena

Striped hyenas are the loners of the hyena family. They have a coat that looks like sand with black stripes on it. They are not as big as spotted hyenas and they have a quieter lifestyle, often looking for food at night.

3) Brown Hyena

Brown hyenas are the furry ones of the hyena family. They have a coat that looks like a shaggy, brown rug. They are good at finding food that others have left behind and they like to be alone most of the time. They are very shy and hard to find.

4) Aardwolf Hyena

Aardwolves are the cutest and the smallest of the hyena family. They have a mane of hair on their neck that makes them look like little lions. They are very picky eaters, and they mostly eat termites. They have a very different diet from their bigger cousins.

Hyenas in the Wild

In the wild, hyenas have some unexpected behaviors. For instance, hyenas are known for their distinctive laugh-like vocalizations that can be heard from miles away. This eerie sound is often associated with their presence in the African night. Hyenas are also incredibly social animals, living in groups known as clans. Within these clans, there is a complex hierarchy, with females often taking the lead.

When it comes to reproduction, female hyenas have a unique reproductive organ, which some may consider weird, as it closely resembles a male’s genitalia. This adaptation is one of nature’s marvels that sets hyenas apart. These are just a few of the interesting and fun facts about hyenas that make them some of the most intriguing creatures in the animal kingdom.

Conclusion

Hyenas are awesome animals with many amazing features. They have interesting social lives and ways of talking to each other. They have strong jaws that can crush bones. They can live in many different places and deal with changes. They are very smart and clever animals. Some people may not like them or understand them, but they are very important for their world. They help keep their world clean and balanced by hunting and scavenging.

They can survive in many places in Africa because they are adaptable and tough. By learning more about these wonderful animals, we can see how amazing and complex the animal world is and how each animal has a special role in it. Hyenas, with their smarts, skills, and unique behaviors, show us the beauty of the animal world and the need to protect them from the problems they face in their world.

FAQs

Why are hyena vocalizations often described as “laughing”?

Hyenas have a language of their own, and they use different sounds to talk to each other. They can tell each other about their land, their group, and their enemies with their sounds.

What is unique about hyenas’ eating habits?

Hyenas are not picky eaters, and they eat almost everything from their prey, even the bones and hooves. They don’t like to waste any food, and they make sure they get every bit of nutrition from their meal.

How do hyenas mark their territory?

Hyenas have a very special way of marking their land. They have glands near their butt that make a smelly and sticky paste. They rub this paste on things like grass and rocks to show their power and ownership.

How do hyenas contribute to their ecosystems as nature’s cleanup crew?

Hyenas are nature’s cleaners in their world. They have amazing skills to get rid of dead animals. When they find a dead animal, they eat everything — not just the meat but also the bones, hooves, and even the hard bits.

What is the role of the dominant female in a hyena clan?

The leader of the hyena clan is always a female, and she is called the matriarch. She has a very important role in making choices, keeping the clan in order, and leading the clan to find food. She is the boss of the hyenas, and they listen to her and follow her.