Hyenas are found in Africa and Asia. The spotted hyena ranges through much of Africa south of the Sahara.

Its litters usually contain one or two young. The gestation period is about three to three and one-half months.

They live alone or in packs and may be active by night or day. In many regions they depend for food on the remains of carcasses left by larger carnivores. Hyenas are generally quite retiring, but when carrion and small game is scarce they will attack helpless animals, such as sheep, goats, and young animals.

Hyenas produce both a wailing and a “laughing” call

Hyenas are distinguished by having four toes on each foot, comparatively long forelegs, non-retractile claws, and enormously strong jaws and teeth that are capable of crushing large bones.

The spotted hyena’s length is about 2 metres (6.6 feet) including the 30 centimetres (12 inch) tail; shoulder height is about 90 centimetres, and weight about 80 kilograms (175 pounds). Colour is yellowish or grayish with dark spots.