Hyenas or hyaenas (/ haɪˈiːnəz / hi-EE-nəz; from Ancient Greek ὕαινα, hýaina) [1] are feliform carnivoran mammals belonging to the family Hyaenidae (/ haɪˈɛnɪdiː /). With just four extant species (each in its own genus), it is the fifth-smallest family in the order Carnivora and one of the smallest in the class Mammalia. [2] .

Feb 15, 2025 · hyena, (family Hyaenidae), any of three species of coarse-furred, doglike carnivores found in Asia and Africa and noted for their scavenging habits. Hyenas have long forelegs and a powerful neck and shoulders for dismembering and carrying prey.

Hyenas are carnivorous beasts found chiefly in Africa and are known for being scavengers. With only four living members of their genus existing in the present times, they are among the smallest family of mammals alive, the fifth smallest to be exact.

May 27, 2024 · Hyenas are four-legged animals with scraggly fur and large ears. Interestingly, they have both feline and canine features. ©Jez Bennett/Shutterstock.com. These animals belong to the carnivorous suborder Feliformia — sometimes called Feloidea — which includes meat-eating mammals with “cat-like” physical and behavioral features.

A hyena is a prehistoric predator that has outlasted some of the most iconic monsters of the palaeolithic, survived the ice age, and was chasing humans out of caves for tens of thousands of years.

Hyenas are known for their famous laugh-like vocalizations. These dog-like predators are actually more closely related to cats, and are a uniquely small member of the carnivore family. There are just four living species of hyenas, and each is slightly different in appearance and behavior. Read on to learn about the hyena.

The hyena (spelled “hyaena” in some parts of the world) is Africa’s most common large carnivore. There are three hyena species — spotted, brown, and striped. Spotted hyenas are the largest of the three. They are fairly large in build and have relatively short torsos with lower hindquarters, and sloping backs.

Hyaenas (sometimes Hyenas) are mammals. They are the family Hyaenidae, in the order Carnivora. They live in Africa, and in west and south Asia. In the past they had a much wider distribution. Now there are two subfamilies with four species.

Apr 26, 2024 · Hyena are one of the most misunderstood and under-appreciated species in the animal kingdom. Read 10 amazing facts about spotted hyena from our Wild Tomorrow South Africa Board member and hyena expert, a.k.a. “hyena man”, Axel Hunnicutt.

Jan 26, 2020 · All of us are familiar with the hyena – an animal that many cultures consider to be demonic. This is understandable, given their disturbing smiles and their howls that sound like human laughter. But did you know that there are actually four different hyena breeds in existence?