Hyenas are carnivorous mammals known for their distinctive call and powerful jaws. There are four species of hyenas: the spotted hyena, the striped hyena, the brown hyena, and the aardwolf. The spotted hyena is the largest and most well-known species. They are known for their social behavior and live in large clans led by dominant females. Spotted hyenas hunt in packs and feed on a variety of prey, including antelopes, wildebeest, and even lions.

Hyenas have been depicted in many cultures as fearsome predators and scavengers. In African folklore, they are often portrayed as sneaky and cunning, while in other cultures they are seen as symbols of cowardice. They are, in fact, some of the most effective hunters and play an important role in their ecosystem by helping to control populations of prey animals and scavenging dead animals. Today, hyenas face threats from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Some populations of hyenas are considered vulnerable, while others are listed as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).