The World of the Hyena In this article you will learn all about the Hyena.

Hyenas Glamour

Hyenas look like many of its companions but it’s actually quit different. Although it looks like a dog it’s closely related to cats. The male

Hyena weighs 20 pounds less then the 120-pound female. Its teeth are so powerful that they can crush thick bones. Hyenas can run fast

for miles without getting tired. It uses calls to warn others of danger and food. The Hyena has sharp night vision. Cub’s eyes are shut for

two weeks after birth.

Hyenas House

Hyenas live in all parts of Africa. Most of them live in Central Africa but some live in Southern Africa. In the past many Hyenas lived in

Southern Africa but people forced them to live in other areas of Africa. They live in the open plains and woodlands but not the forest.

Hyenas often live near cities in Africa. They live in dens that hold up to 50 Hyenas. The Hyena uses scents from in between its toes to mark

its territory by scraping the ground with its feet.

Lion from a distance for the scraps it doesn’t eat. Hyenas often dine on the same food as Vultures. Some people leave dead human

carcasses s for them. Jackals sometimes steel their food

Daily Diet

Hyenas feed on all different sized animals. They eat almost all parts of the body. They are known scavengers but they hunt a majority of

what they eat. Hyenas can take down prey as big as a Wildebeest or an antelope. They hunt at night in small packs. Hyenas eat freshly

killed hoofed animal. They often steel food from Lions, Wild dogs and Vultures. It often follows the Lion from a distance for the scraps it

doesn’t eat. Hyenas often dine on the same food as Vultures. Some people leave dead human carcasses s for them. Jackals sometimes

steel their food.

by Addy

Foes

Hyenas have very few predators. Lions are it’s greatest enemy. Lions kill Hyenas but don’t eat them. Humans are one of its few enemies.

Humans heavily hunt Hyenas in some areas. It’s illegal for people to hunt them in some African countries.

Living Large

Hyenas depend on teamwork to survive. They live in large clans with up to 80 animals. Clans sometimes fight with other clans for

territory. Clans usually have one dominant female Hyena in the clan. The dominant one is the strongest in the clan. A female usually has 2 to

3 babies a year. Newborn cubs weigh about 3 pounds. The Hyenas young stay with its mother for 6 to 12 months. One den holds up to 20

hyena cubs.

Fun Facts

There is more then one type of Hyena. Another name for the Hyena is Crocuta Crocuta. Spotted Hyenas are the largest of 3 Hyena

species. There are 3 types of them, spotted, brown and striped Hyenas.

Bibliography

Wildlife of the World Cavendish, MarshallNew York1994

DogsDent, MarionNew York 2004

Killer CreaturesLlewellyn, ClaireNew York2008

National Geographicwww.NationalGeographic.comWebsite viewed 4/25/10

What StinksSinger, MarilynPlain City 2006