Hyena Fun for Kids: Facts, Videos & Coloring Page Activities

Hyena

Hyena are amazing animals that live in parts of Africa and Asia. These clever hunters are known for their spots, strong jaws, and unique sounds. Kids will love learning how hyena are part of nature and why they are so special!

Watch a Hyena in Action!

Hyena are busy and social animals. This video will show you how they run, laugh, and work together in their family groups.

What is a Hyena?

Hyena are fascinating animals that look a bit like dogs and cats, but are in their own family. Here are some cool facts:

They are meat eaters and sometimes scavenge leftovers.
They live in groups called clans with many family members.
They have powerful jaws that help them crush bones.
They walk on all fours and have strong front legs.

Where do Hyenas Live?

Hyena can live in lots of different places. They like areas they can hunt or find food:

Africa: savannas, grasslands, forests
Asia: some live in parts of the Middle East

What do Hyenas Eat?

Hyena are meat eaters. They find food in many ways:

They hunt animals like wildebeest and antelope.
They eat leftovers from other hunters like lions.
Their strong jaws let them eat bones and all parts of prey.

How Big is a Hyena?

Hyena are about the size of a large dog. Here’s how big they can be:

Length: 1 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft) – about as long as a couch!
Height: 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) at the shoulder – like a tall kid.
Weight: 40 to 60 kg (90 to 130 lb) – as heavy as two big bags of sugar.

What Sound Do Hyenas Make?

Hyena make many different sounds to talk to each other. Their sounds help at night and during hunts.

Cool Hyena Facts

Hyena are full of surprising traits. Here are some cool things to know:

They are more closely related to cats than dogs
They laugh-like cackles when they are excited or nervous
They have 12 different vocal sounds like whoops, grunts, groans, yells, and growls
Their “whoop” calls can be heard more than 5 km (3 miles) away
Each hyena has its own special whoop that friends can recognize
They live in clans with up to 80 family members.
They can crush bones with their strong jaws to eat the marrow inside.
Cubs are cared for by many adults in the clan.
They can run fast for a long time to chase animals.

Printables and Coloring Fun

Kids can have even more fun with hyena crafts:

Download Hyena Coloring Page (PDF)

Hyenas in the Eco-System

Hyena play an important role in nature. Here’s how:

They help clean up dead animals so animals don’t get sick.
They support healthy habitats by eating old or weak animals.
There are about 27,000 spotted hyena left in Africa.
The spotted hyena is listed as Least Concern, but other species like the brown and striped hyena are more at risk.