About the Spotted Hyena
Spotted hyenas live in complex social groups called clans. Their reputation as only scavengers is misleading: they hunt a substantial part of their own food in many ecosystems.
Listen for whoops and watch interactions around resting sites, kills and water for a better understanding of their social lives.
Interesting facts and identification clues
- Females are socially dominant in spotted hyena clans.
- Their jaws and teeth are adapted to process tough carcass material and bone.
- Vocalizations can carry over long distances at night.
Content reviewed 28 Sep 2026
