The mammals called hyenashave long had an unpleasantreputation. Many peoplethink they are cowardlyanimals that feed only on theremains of prey killed bylions or other animals. Inreality, however, hyenas arehunters themselves. The callof the spotted hyena, whichsounds much like humanlaughter, is actually ahunting cry. Hyenas looksomething like dogs, butthey are not closely relatedto them.

HABITATIn Africa and North Asia.The best-known species,the spotted hyena,is found throughout Africa south of the Sahara.It is most numerous in eastern Africa.Te striped hyena is found in western and southern Asia as well as northern and eastern Africa.The brown hyena is found only in southern Africa.Hyenas usually inhabit grasslands with few trees,often in dry areas.They find shelter in caves or in the abandoned burrows of other animals.

hyenas feed on the carcasses, or dead bodies, of animals such as zebras and gazelles after lions are done with them. In many cases, however, the hyenas actually hunted and killed the prey the night before

PHYSICAL APPARENCE

Hyenas are grey brown,or yellowish.With dark areas that may take the form of stripes or spots.The back slopes downward because the front legs. The spotted hyena is the largest species.

ARE HYENAS IN DANGER?The hyena is not danger because they eat everything .Forming packs of 80 or more animals.