Hyenas are often misunderstood. Though they resemble wild dogs, they belong to a separate biological family, more closely related to cats. They are also skilled hunters, not just scavengers, and often work together to take down large prey.
Within the clan, food-sharing, cub-rearing and even conflict resolution are highly organized. These animals don’t just survive in groups—they thrive.
So next time you see a wildlife documentary or catch a viral video of hyenas in action, remember: You’re watching a clan at work. Or, if you’re feeling cheeky, maybe even a cackle.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
