10 Interesting Hyena Facts Accompanied With Adorable Images

Hyenas are large, dog-like carnivores but aren't members of the dog or cat family. They are so unique that they have a family all their own called Hyaenidae!

You can find these guys in the savannas, sub-deserts, grasslands, and the forests and mountains of Africa and Asia.

Their average lifespan is that of 12 years, but they can live up to 25 years.

Spotted hyenas are actually the largest hyenas, and can range anywhere between 4 to 6 feet in length (1.2-1.8 meters). They also can weigh up to 190 pounds (86 kilograms)! 

The smallest hyenas are called aardwolves, but are not in fact wolves at all. They range between 33 to 41 inches (85 to 105 centimeter) and one-fourth of that length is just the tail! They weigh up to 30 pounds (14kg).

Hyenas are usually nocturnal animals but sometimes will venture out in the early-morning.

Hyenas usually bear litters of about two to four cubs. And the cubs are born with their eyes open!

Female spotted hyenas are stronger, more muscular and much more aggressive than their male counterparts. This is because the female hyenas have 3 times as much testosterone in their body than the males do.

Their infamous laugh is actually a form of communication to relay excitement or even frustration. The laugh is usually heard during a hunt.

A study done by Duke University showed a pair of captive hyenas performed better at problem-solving and social cooperation than chimpanzees! And even more amazing, they managed to solve all the problems in silence, using only non-verbal signals to communicate.