RE: Amazing Animals #15 The Spotted Hyena
There is an unfortunate stigma attached to these animals. Living in South Africa I'm somewhat used to the African-bush and all of its inhabitants (though I am yet to see a Leopard in the wild). Hyenas are fascinating animals and you will always see a power-struggle between them and the local pride of lions as they attempt to steal (scavenge) whatever the lions catch.
Funny and true story. I have a friend and they often visit our National Parks where you'll find the big 5 and most other African wildlife. They had once spent the night in an open-camp (no fences) and awoke the next morning to their Jeep 4x4, missing a large part of its front-bumper. Turns out a Hyena mistook it for a midnight-snack! You could see that it wasn't really chewed on, rather a bite was taken. Goes to show how strong their jaws are.
Thank you for the interesting article and photos. Keep up the good work!