Hyenas

The hyena is a meat-eater that lives in Africa and in parts of the Middle East and Asia. Hyenas live in a variety of habitats, including dry plains and brush. They are territorial, social animals that live in large groups called clans. Hyenas have an average life span of 12 years and can live up to 25 years. When excited, a spotted hyena makes a giggling sound; this animal is often called the laughing hyena. The hyena shown here is a striped hyena. Hyenas are strong runners and are more closely related to mongooses and cats than they are dogs whom they superficially resemble. Hyenas are primarily meat-eaters; they eat gnu, zebra, gazelle, buffalo, eggs, insects, and fruit. Although they often kill prey, they are also scavengers, eating dead animals that they find. Hyenas have powerful jaws and sharp teeth that they use to break open bones so that they can eat the bone and marrow. They have very strong digestive systems; they can digest bones, teeth, tough skin, and horn! Hyenas can go without water for several days.