HYENAS
hyenas are famed scavengers and often dine on the leftovers of other predators.
But these hardy beasts are also skilled hunters that will take down wildebeest
or antelope. They also kill and eat birds, lizards, snakes, and insects.
In an increasingly overpopulated Africa, hyenas and humans come into frequent
contact. In fact, the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania actually leave their
dead to be consumed by hyenas. However, these intelligent and bold animals will
raid food stores and crops and are blamed for many livestock and even some human
deaths. In some areas they have been heavily hunted as destructive pests.Hyenas live together in large groups called clans that may include up 80
individuals and are led by females.Hyenas have good hearing and sharp eyesight at night. They are fast and can run
for long distances without tiring. Packs work together effectively to isolate a
herd animal, sometimes one that is ill or infirm, and pursue it to the death.
The victors often squabble over the spoils, either among themselves or with
other powerful animals like lions.Hyenas are quite vocal and make a wide variety of sounds, including the
"laughing" that has long been associated with their name.
But these hardy beasts are also skilled hunters that will take down wildebeest
or antelope. They also kill and eat birds, lizards, snakes, and insects.
In an increasingly overpopulated Africa, hyenas and humans come into frequent
contact. In fact, the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania actually leave their
dead to be consumed by hyenas. However, these intelligent and bold animals will
raid food stores and crops and are blamed for many livestock and even some human
deaths. In some areas they have been heavily hunted as destructive pests.Hyenas live together in large groups called clans that may include up 80
individuals and are led by females.Hyenas have good hearing and sharp eyesight at night. They are fast and can run
for long distances without tiring. Packs work together effectively to isolate a
herd animal, sometimes one that is ill or infirm, and pursue it to the death.
The victors often squabble over the spoils, either among themselves or with
other powerful animals like lions.Hyenas are quite vocal and make a wide variety of sounds, including the
"laughing" that has long been associated with their name.