Hyenas

We're very happy to say that, yes, there are a lot of hyena fans out there! We're out of the smaller sizes of our hyena t shirt, and have trouble keeping our plush hyena in stock. We're hoping to have a brand new hyena t shirt available soon. Check back often!

Plush Hyena

Cuddlekins plush hyena is made of quality fabric and ultra plush stuffing. This unbelievably soft plush hyena was our top selling plush toy in 2007! Item HS01 $16.00 US  Add to Cart

Hyena T Shirt

Our hyena t shirt is a Wild Carnivore exclusive, and a definite must for hyena fans! Three hyena species are featured here in respectful pose. Not a shirt for everyone, but one every hyena fan should have! Black print on ash tee. 100% preshrunk cotton.

We have only a few size XL left - order soon! Item HT001 $10.00 US   Add to Cart

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The Hyena Family

Hyenas have possibly the worst reputation of any animal, due to mans' interpretation of their natural behavior.

These animals are actually vital to the health of their ecosystems, eating carrion that would remain untouched by other animals. They have powerful teeth and jaws that crush the largest bones, and a digestive system that utilizes all parts of a carcass. This specialized system of waste elimination is probably why hyenas do not regurgitate food for their young like other carnivores. Without hyenas, the savannah would be knee deep in festering carcasses full of insect eggs!

It was once thought spotted hyenas were purely scavengers, waiting for lions to make a kill, then dashing in to steal it. This misconception arose because the hyenas actually make their kills at night and then the lions move in, while man, active during the daylight hours, saw only the lions eating and the hyenas waiting nearby.

Hyena social systems are very complex. They use elaborate meeting ceremonies among pack members, and have efficient long range communications through sound and scent marking. Spotted hyenas employ a system of whoop calls, keeping them in constant touch with other clan members while patrolling for food.

The success of spotted hyenas is ensured through hunting and sharing of food among adults. Competition within the clan can be intense, and they have developed a system of communication which reduces aggression.

At various times throughout history, hyenas have been domesticated, fattened and eaten and persecuted by man. In Egypt, their boiled genitalia were belived to cure barrenness, and eating the heart was thought to give courage. In India, the tongue was eaten to cure tumors. East African legends include the belief that the gall bladder of the hyena is a deadly poison, and that hyenas can change their sex at will.

The brown hyena is considered extremely endangered, the striped hyena is threatened and the spotted hyena is considered not at risk.