The animals called hyenas have long had a rather unpleasant reputation. They are commonly thought to be cowardly animals that feed only on the remains of prey killed by lions or other animals. In reality, however, hyenas are hunters themselves. The well-known call of the spotted hyena, which sounds much like human laughter, is actually a hunting cry. Hyenas look something like dogs, but they are not related to them. They belong to the scientific group Hyaenidae.The three species, or types, of hyenas live in Africa & Asia. The best-known species, the spotted hyena, is found throughout Africa south of the Sahara Desert. It is most numerous in eastern Africa. The striped hyena is found in western & southern Asia as well as northern & eastern Africa. The brown hyena is found only in southern Africa. Hyenas usually inhabit grassl&s with few trees, often in dry areas. They find shelter in caves or in the ab&oned burrows of other animals.
Hyenas are gray, brown, or yellowish, with dark areas that may take the form of stripes or spots. The back slopes downward because the front legs are longer than the hind legs. The spotted hyena is the largest species. Female spotted hyenas are larger than males & can grow to a length of more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) & a weight of about 175 pounds (80 kilograms)—about as large as a wolf. The striped hyena weighs up to 120 pounds (55 kilograms), & the brown hyena is somewhat smaller.All hyenas have thick necks & large heads. The jaws & teeth are remarkably powerful, with the strength to crush large bones. The ears are large & set on the top of the head. A hyena's excellent senses of hearing & smell help in finding prey.
