Fascinating Facts About Hyenas

Hyenas are fascinating yet often misunderstood animals. Native to Africa and parts of Asia, they belong to the family Hyaenidae and are more closely related to felines than canines, despite their dog-like appearance. Hyaenidae includes four species: spotted hyena, striped hyena, brown hyena, and aardwolf. The spotted hyena, known for its "laughing" sounds, is the largest and most famous. Hyenas are intelligent and form complex, female-led clans. Their adaptability as hunters and scavengers supports a diverse diet of carrion, small animals, and even bones, thanks to their powerful jaws. Despite misconceptions, hyenas are vital to ecosystems, regulating prey populations and aiding in waste removal.