PredatorLeast Concern
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
Join Samton Safaris for an unforgettable spotted hyena safari. Witness the powerful predators in their natural habitat in the Masai Mara, Kenya.
About the Spotted Hyena
The spotted hyena is one of Africa's most successful predators, yet remains one of the most misunderstood. Often unfairly dismissed as mere scavengers, spotted hyenas are actually skilled hunters that catch up to 95% of the food they eat.
They live in complex matriarchal clans of up to 80 individuals, with females dominant over males. Their bone-crushing jaws generate the strongest bite force relative to body size of any mammal, allowing them to consume virtually every part of their prey, including bones.
In the Masai Mara and Serengeti, hyenas are a constant presence, often seen interacting with lions in intense rivalries over kills. The Ngorongoro Crater is famous for having one of the densest hyena populations in Africa.
Fun Facts
1
Hyenas can crush bones with a bite force of over 1,100 PSI
2
They are more closely related to cats than dogs
3
A hyena clan is led by an alpha female — they are matriarchal
4
Their "laugh" is actually a sign of social anxiety or submission
5
Hyenas can digest bones, hooves, and horns that no other predator can
Best Places
Where to See the Spotted Hyena
These are the top destinations where you have the best chance of spotting the Spotted Hyena in the wild.
WILDLIFE SAFARI
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