Creature Feature Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) Fast Facts • Largest of 4 species • Live in large clans (>80 individuals) • Weigh ~ 90-140 lbs • 2-5 feet tall • 2-4 feet in length • Females are larger than males • Known for their ‘laughter’ Range Behavior • Rest and give birth in dens – Rarely dig themselves – Use abandoned lairs of warthogs • A single den can house several females and dozens of cubs at once • Spotted hyena societies are more complex than those of other carnivorous mammals • Packs are led by an Alpha female Feeding • Highly intelligent – have very good eye sight • Scavenge as well as hunt for food – Mainly hoofed animals (wildebeest, antelope) – Follow vultures to carcasses – Can digest everything from fur to bone • Frequently clash with lions over food Reproduction • Breed year round • Males do not contribute to parental care • Birth is difficult - 10% of first time mothers die during labor • Cubs are born with their eyes open and 2 in. canine teeth • Cubs will attack each other from the moment they are born Video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xh2Y pA1JzE