hyena

Everyday

1. A hyena is a dog-like wild animal from Africa and parts of Asia with strong jaws, a sloping back and, in the spotted kind, a call that sounds like laughing. tree →
2. Hyenas hunt in groups and also eat what other animals leave behind. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons hyenas come up in food chains and as scavengers and predators: spotted hyenas actually hunt most of their own food, and their jaws can crush bones. In stories and cartoons hyenas are often shown as sneaky villains, but that is not fair to real hyenas. Pupils learn that hyenas are more closely related to cats and mongooses than to dogs.

Examples

• The hyena's laugh echoed across the savanna at night. tree →
• Spotted hyenas live in big groups called clans. tree →
• Hyenas have jaws strong enough to crack bones. tree →
• Lions and hyenas often fight over food. tree →
• Hyenas hunt zebras and wildebeest as well as scavenging. tree →
• In the cartoon, the hyenas were the villain's helpers. tree →
• Female spotted hyenas are bigger than the males and lead the group. tree →

Note

Plural «hyenas». Say «hy-EE-nuh». Myths: hyenas are not just scavengers, and they are not dogs — they are a family of their own, closer to cats. Their «laugh» is a call, not happiness.