Ask an Educator about Hyenas
What is the average life span of a hyena?
The average life span of a hyena is 12 years; however, some can live for a maximum of 20-25 years.
In what part of the world will you find wild hyenas?
Wild hyenas are found South of Sahara, except through areas with extreme desert conditions.
Do hyenas laugh?
One of the vocalizations that hyenas make sounds a lot like laughter, but it does not indicate the same emotion as it does for humans. For hyenas, it can be a sign of excitement or anxiety, often heard if the clan is having a hierarchy dispute or if they have successfully hunted its prey.
Are hyenas part of the dog or cat species?
Although they resemble dogs, spotted hyenas are neither canine nor feline. They belong to the family Hyaenidae, along with three other species: the brown hyena, striped hyena, and the aardwolf.