Hyenas possess great intelligence and skill on the hunt. One strategy is for a single hyena to cause confusion in the herd, while the others in the pack pick off an older or weaker member and chase the rest away.

Packs work together effectively to isolate a herd animal, sometimes one that is ill or infirm, and pursue it to the death. The victors often squabble over the spoils, either among themselves or with other powerful animals like lions.

Spotted hyenas are quite vocal and make a wide variety of sounds, including the “laughing” that has long been associated with their name.

Fast Facts

Type: Mammal
Diet: Omnivore
Average life span in the wild: Up to 25 years
Size: Head and body, 34 to 59 in (86 to 150 cm); tail, 10 to 14 in (25 to 36 cm)
Weight:110 to 190 lbs (50 to 86 kg)
Group name: Clan
Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man

MAP

> Spotted Hyena Range