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Clean up patrol. A spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) finds and feeds on a hippo carcass on the edge of Lake Magadi, Tanzania.
The hyena is a clever and opportunistic scavenger. In fact, did you know that the spotted hyena is capable of outsmarting a chimpanzee in laboratory problem-solving tests?
I guess these creatures just need a better PR representative.
Here's one of about 550 spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) that call Ngorongoro crater (Tanzania) home. These carnivores are organized into eight identified clans with a strict linear hierarchy. At the top each clan? A alpha-female. Yup, hyena society is matriarchal in structure.
Female hyenas tend to remain in their clan for life. Young males often emigrate and join another clan.
See (and hear!) a spotted hyena for yourself. Join us on safari in 2026.!
The more I learn about the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), the more I appreciate this ingenious animal. Yes, they do scavenge, but they also hunt. Yes, they "laugh" and "fuss," but they also communicate using a complicated system of vocalizations. Yes, they look like ugly dogs (or bears?), but are actually in a category of their own.
Studies suggest that hyenas are very intelligent, are creative problem solvers, and work together in groups better than chimpanzees.
Remember this the next time you see this animal presented as greedy, stupid, or criminal. The hyena is a beautiful example of the handiwork of our Creator.
Q. Why did the hyena cross the road?
A. To steal your wifi.
