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
Rhode Island Novelty, Hansa Plush and 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
