Spotted Hyena
The spotted hyena, with the scientific name of Crocuta Crocuta, is the largest of the three hyena species. Spotted hyenas are brown, black and tan with black or brown spots. They are quite intelligent, and they have great hearing to help them find their prey.
Hyena’s live together in groups called clans. Clans may include up to eighty individuals led by females. Clans work together to isolate a herd animal, usualy one that is weak, and pursue it to death.
Hyenas can run for long distances without tiring, so they can pursue their prey for a long time. The victors often squabble over caught prey, among themselves or with other animals like lions or leopards.
The prey of hyena’s tend to be wildebeest, antelope, birds, lizards, snakes and big insects. Hyena’s are known to raid food stores and crops. They are also blamed for taking livestock and even blamed for some human deaths. They are becoming increasingly overpopulated in Africa. In fact, the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania leave their dead livestock to be eaten by the hyena. The hyenas’ regularly come into contact with humans and are often shot as pests.
Fun Fact! Did you know that spotted hyena’s make a variety of sounds, including the ‘laughing’ that is connected to their names?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kleinz/4536985867/
The spotted hyena, with the scientific name of Crocuta Crocuta, is the largest of the three hyena species. Spotted hyenas are brown, black and tan with black or brown spots. They are quite intelligent, and they have great hearing to help them find their prey.
Hyena’s live together in groups called clans. Clans may include up to eighty individuals led by females. Clans work together to isolate a herd animal, usualy one that is weak, and pursue it to death.
Hyenas can run for long distances without tiring, so they can pursue their prey for a long time. The victors often squabble over caught prey, among themselves or with other animals like lions or leopards.
The prey of hyena’s tend to be wildebeest, antelope, birds, lizards, snakes and big insects. Hyena’s are known to raid food stores and crops. They are also blamed for taking livestock and even blamed for some human deaths. They are becoming increasingly overpopulated in Africa. In fact, the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania leave their dead livestock to be eaten by the hyena. The hyenas’ regularly come into contact with humans and are often shot as pests.
Fun Fact! Did you know that spotted hyena’s make a variety of sounds, including the ‘laughing’ that is connected to their names?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kleinz/4536985867/