Spotted Hyena Facts!

When you think of hyenas, what springs to mind? Scavenging? Cackling cries? Well, it turns out there’s so much more to these incredible creatures! Find out why with our fab spotted hyena facts…

Fast spotted hyena facts

Scientific name: Crocuta crocuta
Family: Hyaenidae
Classification: Mammal
IUCN status: Least Concern
Lifespan (in wild): Around 25 years
Weight: 50-86kg
Body size: Up to 2m
Top speed: 65km/h
Diet: Carnivore
Habitat: Grassland and savanna
Range:

1) Of our planet’s four different species of hyena, the spotted hyena is the largest and most common.

2) These amazing animals inhabit savannahs, grasslands, woodlands and forest edges across sub-Saharan Africa.

3) The spotted hyena’s body can grow to almost 2m long, plus a dark, bushy tail measuring 25-30cm long. Females are heavier than males, and can weigh up to 82kg.

4) They have a sandy, ginger-coloured coat with black markings on their body and legs. They sport a cool, short mane on their neck and shoulders, too!

5) Famed scavengers, these cool carnivores have a reputation for eating the leftovers of other predators. But don’t be fooled, they’re super-skilled predators themselves! In fact, they hunt and kill most of their food.

6) Spotted hyenas often hunt in groups and can take down big animals such as wildebeest, antelope, zebras and young hippos. Smaller snacks on their menu include birds, fish, snakes, lizards and insects, too.

7) These guys like to make the most of their meals. Equipped with a super-strong jaw and teeth, they can chomp through every part of their victim, except the horns. Yep, that includes the bones!

8) Spotted hyenas are social mammals and live in structured groups, called clans, of up to 80 individuals. There’s a strict hierarchy, where females rank higher than males, and the group is led by one powerful alpha female.

9) A Female hyena gives birth to one or two cubs a year, which she nurses in a den. As the youngsters grow up, males will often leave to join a different clan, whereas females will remain in the same clan for life.

10) Spotted hyenas are also known as laughing hyenas. Why? Because these highly intelligent creatures communicate with yells, whoops and cackles – some of which can be heard almost 5km away!

Picture credits
Spotted hyena emerging from den: Aberson, Dreamstime. Spotted hyena standing: Poeticpenguin, Shutterstock. Two spotted hyenas: Moizhusein, Shutterstock. Spotted hyena staring: Costas Anton Dumitrescu, Shutterstock. Hyena distribution map: National Geographic Maps.

What did you make of out spotted hyena facts? Leave a comment below and let us know!

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COMMENTS1

zayan

cool
cool

hyenas are epic
jj

so cool i love it
D,cjcjcn

Hyenas are cool
H
e.waters

i love hyeanas there awsome
Reb

My favourite fact about spotted hyenas is that the female is bigger than the male hyena
love it. so cool. wow!
:)
:)

Wow
Fino

cool facts
Jonathan

ITS COOL
Tonf

Good
riley

amazing
Abigail!

Great
dakota

can,t wait to see one at the zoo because they are so cute .
dakota

i like hyenas
Arvin

Cool
Pokémon

Cool
Pokémon

So cool
Ananya

I can not imagine how hyenas eat that much
AdVo-9

because i am learning about hyenas THX for info
Lili

Spotted hyena jokes must be funny if they can laugh that loud!
tekoha

I like hyena because they are so fast and cute
Awesomeness
Courtney

Hyenas are the ultimate girl power role models!!!
Oceana

Go hyenas
tagan

hyenas laugh
Gwen /Yvaine

I love it this is cool and fun
enti

They are wild animals and they eat other animals.
I learned heaps about spotted hyenas!
Alexandra

I have learnt so much about heyenas that I didn't know
sophie

awesome I never knew this thanks
Ronald

hynea's rule
Lobstertain

Great job with the facts guys
Dofiegaming26

I love Hyenas !!!im glad i spelt it right
rex123

the hyenas on the lion king are funny