Ten fun facts about Hyenas

1. Loud Laughing Hyenas Can Be Heard Up to 3 Miles Away

The hyena is an animal that has been known to make a sound that is similar to laughter when they are excited, which is why they are often referred to as 'laughing hyenas'. This cackling sound is so loud that it can be heard from up to 3 miles away, making it one of the loudest sounds in the animal kingdom.

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2. Hyenas are fascinating animals that thrive in a variety of habitats

Hyenas are fascinating animals that thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, savannas, woodlands, and even high latitudes. They have an unusual standing posture, with their front legs being longer than their back legs, similar to that of bears. This posture allows them to be incredibly agile and fast, making them formidable predators.

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3. Female Hyenas are Surprisingly Powerful

Hyenas are surprisingly strong animals, weighing anywhere from 45 to 85 kilograms. Female hyenas are even more impressive, as they are typically 10% larger than their male counterparts, making them some of the most powerful animals in the animal kingdom.

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4. Hyenas are formidable carnivores that scavenge carrion

Hyenas are formidable carnivores and scavengers, with a daily diet of up to 6 kg of meat. They hunt antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, monkeys, birds and wildebeests, and are also known to scavenge carrion. Their powerful jaws and sharp teeth make them well-equipped to take down large prey, and their strong digestive system allows them to consume large amounts of meat in a single sitting.

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5. Hyenas are Highly Social Animals

Hyenas are highly social animals, living in groups called clans or packs which can range from 5 to 8 members. These clans are typically made up of related females and their offspring, with a single dominant male. The social structure of the clan is complex, with each member having a distinct rank and role within the group. Hyenas are known to cooperate in hunting and scavenging, and they communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, including whoops, grunts, and laughs.

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6. Female Hyenas Have a Difficult Task Protecting Their Young

Female hyenas have a difficult task when it comes to protecting their young, as hyenas have a tendency to be cannibalistic. This means that the female must be constantly vigilant in order to ensure that her young are safe from the males of the species, who may be tempted to prey on the vulnerable cubs. In order to protect their young, female hyenas will often form alliances with other females in order to increase their chances of success. They will also use their powerful jaws and sharp claws to ward off any potential threats.

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7. Hyenas' Powerful Jaws: Breaking Skin & Bones

Hyenas have incredibly strong jaws compared to their body size, allowing them to easily break through skin and bones to get the nutrients they need. This impressive strength enables them to crunch through bones and even crush hooves, giving them access to the nutrition they need to survive. Hyenas have been known to consume the entire carcass of their prey, including the bones, which is a testament to their powerful jaws.

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8. Hyenas are remarkable animals that can travel long distances

Hyenas are remarkable animals, capable of travelling large distances with remarkable endurance. They are able to go several days without water, making them well-suited to the harsh environments they inhabit. Their powerful legs and large feet enable them to cover vast distances in a single day, and their strong jaws and sharp teeth make them formidable predators. Hyenas are truly remarkable creatures, and their ability to travel long distances is a testament to their strength and resilience.

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9. 19-Year-Old Hyena Lived to Tell the Tale

The average life span of a hyena is 19 years, and the gestation period is between 90 and 110 days. When a female hyena gives birth, she typically has a litter of 2 to 4 cubs, making the average litter size 4. Hyenas are highly social animals, and the cubs will stay with their mother until they are old enough to leave the den and join the clan.

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10. Female Hyenas Prefer to Mate with Males from Other Clans

Female hyenas have a unique mating behavior, preferring to mate with males from other clans rather than their own. This is likely due to the fact that their testosterone levels are higher than those of their male counterparts, allowing them to be more selective in their choice of mate. This behavior is thought to help ensure genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding, which can lead to a decrease in the overall health of the species.

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