This is a spotted hyena trotting along and minding its own business

Today I want to write about spotted hyenas because I really like their cool laugh.

Here are five interesting facts about them:

1. They are the largest of the four species of hyenas and the second largest carnivore in Africa, only behind the lion.  Females are larger than males and measure up to 1.85 metres in length and weigh up to 82 kg.
2. Despite their reputation as a scavenger, spotted hyenas are very effective hunters.  Their main prey are wildebeest, impala, zebra, gazelles and antelope.
3. They use their powerful jaws to eat every part of what they catch and have been seen biting through giraffe bones that are 7 cm thick.
4. They give birth to 2 cubs.  Unlike other carnivores, the cubs are born with their eyes open and very sharp teeth.
5. Spotted hyenas are widespread and are found throughout Africa.

I hope that you found these facts interesting and learned something new.

Are there any other interesting facts that you would like to share about spotted hyenas?