Serengeti National Park Tanzania Large Mammals

Robust, dog-like scavenger and hunter with strongly built forequarters, sloping back, and spotted coat. In the Serengeti spotted hyenas are both efficient predators and scavengers, often dominating carcasses and running in clans that defend kills from smaller predators.

Stocky, sloping-backed carnivore with spotted coat, large rounded ears, visible powerful forequarters, and a distinctive laughing vocalization; often seen in groups with bold behavior around carcasses.

Common Confusions

• Brown Hyena Hyaena brunnea Brown hyena has longer shaggy hair and a different range (southern Africa); spotted hyena is more robust with visible spots.
• Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena Striped hyena has vertical striping and smaller size; spotted hyena has spots and a more powerful build.
• African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus Wild dogs have mottled coats, large round ears, and hunt in packs; hyenas have sloping backs and stronger jaws for bone-crushing.
• Jackal Canis aureus Jackals are smaller, with pointed muzzle and tails; hyenas are much bulkier with characteristic laugh-like calls.
• Lioness (from a distance) Panthera leo Lions are felids with tawny coats and different posture; hyenas have sloping back and rounded ears and move differently when feeding.