The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is an African scavenger/predator. When alone they will prey on small mammals but when hunting in groups they are capable of taking down large hoofed mammals. They are generally scavengers but will go after live prey if it is easily captured.
These dog-like mammals are about 40 to 65 inches long and stand 30 to 36 inches tall. They weigh anywhere from 89 to 190 pounds. Females are larger and heavier. They are generally brownish grey with spots.
Specially adapted for crushing bones the hyena has powerful jaws and will eat all of what it catches including skin and bones. When pursuing prey they can maintain speeds of up to 32 mph for several miles. These animals live in large groups call clans; the females are dominant. The young are raised in dens made in natural caves or abandoned aardvark holes. Young are born anytime during the year. The gestation period is from 3 to 4 months. The litter usually consists of two cubs. They are weaned after 12 to 16 months.
Hyena are nocturnal. They have keen senses of smell, sight and hearing. They emit a variety of calls including the characteristic laugh that is used when the hyena is being chased or attacked.
The toy Hyenas shown above are made by Wild Republic. Check the Gift Shop to see if there are any Hyenas there.
Alligator | Antelope | Camel | Cheetah | Elephants | Fennec Fox | Giraffe | Gorilla | Hippopotamus | Hyena | Lemur | Leopard | Lion | Monkey | Okapi | Rhinoceros | Tiger | Warthog | Waterbuck | Zebra
