Hyena (Spotted)

Mammal

Spotted Hyena Sightings in Pilanesberg National Park

Crocuta crocuta

Least ConcernPredatorOn the checklist

Planning a trip to Pilanesberg National Park? Download opspoor to see recent sightings in the park and log your own.

When to see Spotted Hyena in Pilanesberg National Park

Spotted Hyena are most active early morning (04:00 to 08:00), late afternoon into dusk (16:00 to 20:00) and at night (18:00 to 06:00). Much of their activity falls outside gate hours, so the first drive after the gates open and the last hour before they close give you the best chance.

This is Spotted Hyena's general behavior. Once enough sightings are logged in Pilanesberg National Park, this page also shows when they're actually seen here.

About the Hyena (Spotted)

The spotted hyena is a large, powerful carnivore of sub-Saharan Africa, recognised by its sloping back, strong jaws, rounded ears and distinctive dark spots on a tawny coat. It is highly social and lives in complex clans dominated by females. Spotted hyenas are skilled hunters as well as scavengers and can take a wide range of prey, from small animals to large antelope. They are particularly effective predators because of their endurance, powerful bite and ability to coordinate hunts.

How to identify the Hyena (Spotted)

Large, powerfully built hyena with a sloping back, large rounded ears and a distinctive spotted coat. The legs are long and powerful, the neck is thick and the tail is relatively short with a dark tip.

Other species to look for in Pilanesberg National Park

Other parks where you can see Spotted Hyena

Easiest first.

Heading to Pilanesberg National Park? opspoor shows where Spotted Hyena have been logged recently and lets you log your own, even with no signal.