Spotted Hyena

Gevlekte Hiëna · Crocuta crocuta

A sturdy, dog-like hunter with a sloping back, rounded ears and a sandy coat scattered with dark spots. Spotted hyenas live in large clans led by females and are both skilled hunters and clever scavengers. They are most active at night and communicate with whoops, giggles and the famous 'laughing' calls that carry across the dark bush.

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How to identify it

Its spotted coat, rounded ears and sloping back separate it from the shaggier, striped-legged brown hyena.

Look for its tracks

Dog-like with claw marks, but the front foot is much bigger than the hind; toes splayed and sturdy.

Where to see it in Kruger

Widespread across the park; often seen at dusk near dens or scavenging around lion kills and camp fences.

Did you know

Spotted hyenas have such powerful jaws they can crunch straight through bone to reach the marrow inside.

Often confused with

Brown Hyena

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