The spotted hyena is a large scavenging carnivore that lives in savannas in Africa. It has powerful jaws and teeth that allow it to eat bones, and weighs up to 200 pounds. While known for scavenging, it also actively hunts prey like wildebeests and gazelles. It has spots and can live up to 25 years in the wild or 40 years in captivity.

1. Spotted Hyena By: Charlotte

2. Physical Features Has four toes and the nose is black Color of fur is tan-brown-red Powerful jaws and teeth (could eat marrow bones) 3-6 feet long Powerful shoulders and brown spots Is the largest of hyena species Weighs 200 pounds

3. Habitat Lives on savannas These are massive hot areas of dry grass Over 1/3 Only gets rain a few months a year When it rains the grass gets taller and thicker

4. Diet/Behavior Also known as the laughing hyena When mad/excited it makes a sound that sounds like a human giggle Are scavengers but will kill prey They hunt and eat wildebeests zebras gazelle buffalo topi eggs insects fruit and lousts Have the strongest bite of any mammal Most aggressive powerful jaws strong teeth eat all

5. Interesting Facts can live up to 25 years Can live up to 40 years in captivaty

6. Photo Credits http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/flickrCC/index.php?terms=Spotted+Hyena&edit=yes&page=1