Spotted Hyena

                   Spotted Hyena
           (Crocuta, Crocuta)

  The Spotted Hyena is found in Sub-Saharan Africa.They live throughout much of Africa and   eastwards through Arabia to India. 

   Although the Spotted Hyena is thought of as a scavenger, a large portion of the hyena's diet comes fromhunting live animals such as gazelle, zebras and wildebeest.They also kill and eat birds, lizards, snakes, and insects. Hyenas will hunt alone or in a pack, and they are opportunistic predators.

          

  Aproximate weight of a Hyena is usually between 110-160 lbs, with females slightly heavier                   than male. Aproximate length of a Hyena is 3-f-ft.

  Spotted hyenas are the largest of three hyena species. Brown and striped hyenas are the other two. Although hyenas appear similar to dogs, they are actually more closely related to cats. Spotted hyenas live together in large groups called clans that may include up 80 individuals and are led by females.

  They 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.

  They are quite vocal and make a wide variety of sounds, including the "laughing" that has long been associated with their name.

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/hyena/

http://www.desertanimals.net/desertanimals/spottedhyena.html