Want to know where and when to find Hyena (Spotted)? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Spotted Hyena in South Africa
Easiest first. Pick a park for when and where to look there.
Recent Hyena (Spotted) sightings
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.
Did you know?
Spotted Hyenas have exceptionally powerful jaws and teeth capable of crushing and processing bones, allowing them to extract nutrients that many other predators cannot access.
Also known as: Hyena, Hiëna, Gevlekte Hiëna, Spotted Hyaena
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Spotted Hyena, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.