Hyena

Appearance

     The hyena is an animal with the weight of 123 to 138 pounds and the height of 32 to 35 inches. Hyena's forelegs are longer than their back legs. Their fur is reddish-brown and rough. Black, round spots cover the fur. The hyena also has 4 toes on each foot, rather than 5.

     Because the hyena has a diet of large animals, the hyena has very strong jaws to carry large animals and chew big bones. When chasing prey, hyenas can run up to 31 miles per hour. Hyenas live in dens. The 4 toes and longer forelegs help the animal dig its shelter.

     The hyena is known for its "laugh." The "laugh" is just a call hyenas make when excited or when it is mating season. Hyenas hunt in the evening. Before the hyenas look for food, they howl. They live in clans. A clan of hyenas is led by a dominant female. Hyenas live for about 35 years.

     Hyenas are carnivorous. The animals hyenas eat are very large. Though hyenas are also scavengers. Hyenas' own killing of prey is about 93%. Hyenas are probably not too dependent on animals that already have been killed.