“Cowardly,” “ugly,” “thieving”… It appears that no one has anything positive to say about the spotted hyena, the most prevalent big carnivore in Africa. But if you look past the common misconception, you’ll discover a sophisticated, effective, and adaptable predator with some intriguing secrets.

Five Interesting Facts Regarding the Spotted Hyena

The external genitalia of a female spotted hyena are similar to those of a male and feature a “pseudopenis” that she uses for copulation, urination, and childbirth. This clarifies why hyenas were thought to be hermaphrodites by ancient societies.

Compared to most carnivores, spotted hyenas may nurse their young for up to 18 months.
In relation to its body mass, the heart of a spotted hyena weighs twice as much as that of a lion. This allows it to run up to five kilometers in pursuit of its prey.

Of all mammals, spotted hyenas have the strongest jaws. They are capable of cracking open a giraffe’s femur and can bite with 40% greater force than a leopard.
It is customary for the Maasai people of East Africa to leave their corpses for spotted hyenas to eat.