spotted hyena

noun

1. an African hyena, Crocuta crocuta, having a yellowish-gray coat with brown or black spots, noted for its distinctive howl.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spotted hyena¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Wilkinson has spent much time studying spotted hyenas, another of the many species highlighted in "Queer Planet."

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On two different days they observed, filmed and photographed spotted hyenas chasing flying birds or picking them from the ground or the water surface, and devouring them whole at the waterhole.

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The analyses built on the expertise in epigenetics of the Leibniz-IZW as well as on the long-term research on spotted hyenas in the Serengeti, which started in 1987.

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Thunderclouds rolled across Kenya’s Masai Mara savanna as the spotted hyena cubs played, tumbling over each other in the wet grass.

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To be clear, these mobs are made up of spotted hyenas.

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