Hyenas have never really been portrayed in the best light and as a result, have suffered the wrath of a negative and ill-informed perception of the global audience. However, this is not the case.
“One of the easiest ways to change someone’s perception of hyenas is to sit at a den site and watch the interactions between the mothers and cubs. Preconceptions fly out the window as the little ones chase each other, annoy their mothers, sub-adults scurry past with bones in their mouths, and the antics of the clan amuse all and sundry.” – James Tyrrell
We are fortunate to have a few hyena den sites currently active scattered around our reserve. The most commonly viewed den site, just south of our airstrip and very central, is active again and has been providing us with some unreal sightings. This particular den has been used on and off since about 2016. There seem to be about 11 or so young hyena cubs that, if the mothers are onsite, always have everyone present in hysterics with their antics.
Of recent, these sitings have occurred usually early morning and late afternoon when the mothers return to the communal den before sunrise after an active evening out scavenging or just before they head out for the evening. It can be a hit-and-miss because if the mothers are not around the cubs will usually remain well hidden within the den… but it is always worth a visit if we find ourselves in the area!
First two years of a Hyena’s life
Hyena cubs are some of the cutest and most playful mammals in the entire animal kingdom, possessing an array of characters. Large brown eyes, dark fluffy bodies, oversized feet, a lack of balance and coordination (for the younger ones), and inquisitive yet mischievous behavior will put everyone in awe. Let’s not forget the siblings and other hyena cubs that spur each other on.
Young hyenas spend more than the first year of their lives based at an established den. Normally from the age of about 18 months, they then venture out to search for food along with other members of the clan.
While still confined to the den, they rely on the deep dark excavations into termite mounds as a safety net to scurry into should danger show up. Born black they blend into the darkness within. Hyena cubs are born in a more advanced stage of development with their eyes open, teeth intact, and fairly coordinated. They begin to change to their lighter spotty coloration from about two to three months. They normally remain within the den until their mother returns. She will call them out and it is with the presence of an adult around that the cubs feel confident to come out and play, after a quick feed, love, and groom from their mother.
It’s always quite difficult to tell just how many cubs are residing at a particular den site but no less than 9 different individuals have been seen at once there! Fairly relaxed and forever inquisitive, the cubs cute faces are enough to sway anyone’s negative viewpoint of hyenas.
Play amongst youngsters is vital for development and growth which proves necessary for mastering hunting and fighting skills for later life. Hierarchy and rank are achieved from a young age.
As powerful as their jaws may be, a mother hyena can be so gentle when carefully moving a young cub.
With a bite pressure of around 1000lbs per square inch, hyenas make easy meals of bones left over from a carcass. They perform a vital role in disposing of rotting meat and bones and the associated possibility of diseases.
I love hyenas and the antics at a den so here are a few more images of a few recent sightings.
A young Hyena cub shares a special moment with its mother outside of the den
The Hyena Den is still very entertaining.
A baby hyena shows its mother some affection by nibbling and cleaning her lips.
Two of the newest members of a hyena clan came out of their den just as the sun was setting. These cubs are only a few weeks old and are yet to start showing the spotted coats that they will have when they get a bit older.
Born with their teeth already broken through their gums, we watched as this young cub entertained itself by chewing on an exposed root.
I have to agree that hyena pups are just as cute as wild dog pups, and when out of their den, provide a comical scenario. At around 6-8 months, it’s not unusual to find the young hyenas playing with an abandoned bone, treating like a chew toy that domesticated dogs love. Good blog Kate.
Thanks very much Denise! Agreed, they are very entertaining to watch.
All species need to be observed first, and then conclusions make (well summed up by JamesT). The spotties are special in their own way. I absolutely love the black & white photos in this BLOG. Well done!
Thanks Gawie! I agree that the black and white images are beautiful.
fabulous story telling and great photos. Am sharing among my friends on social media and perhaps soon we can change the image of these lovely and loving hyenas.
Thanks very much, Karen! I hope everyone you share this with also enjoy the blog and images.
Absolutely great article Kate! So the den south of the airstrip would be the Sparta Clan’s den? You mentioned a couple dens on Londolozi. Where are they located?
Thanks Michael! The central den I am referring to in this blog is a den site off Strip road just south east of the airstrip. We also know of another active den in the south western part of our reserve (Moodies Fourways). There is also a den site in the northern part of our reserve but it has not been active for the last few months.
It’s so sad that hyenas have such a bad reputation. To me they are interesting animals, the pup are so cute and they are crucial to the environment. I wish more people would realise that.
Thanks Betty-Lou, I agree!
Kate, Thanks for the reminder of the cuteness of the young Hyenas! We have enjoyed several sightings at Hyena dens over the years and are always in laughter most of the time!
Thanks Michael and Terri – I am glad you have been able to experience the entertainment these dens can bring.
Great article on hyena cubs. There are really cute and so playful. I watched some brown hyena cubs the other day at a den and it was very entertaining indeed.
Thanks Christa, how lucky of you to have spent some time at a brown hyena den!
Kate, thank you for the bold about the Hyenas. They are indeed one of natures most needed yet detested animals. The young are certainly entertaining, thanks again for the pictures.
Thanks William, I agree!
Oh my goodness the hyena den we visited about two months ago at the property was so hilarious. The babies just were so curious… Luckily enough they came over to the car to investigate us and a naughty 😈 one went under the car , found some thing and came bounding out with the others chasing it. Nonstop antics – you must request to see a den on your next safari it’s a highlight!
Thanks Kara, I am so glad you were able to experience an active den site. As you say, it can be the highlight of our game drive if the cubs are out and active.
Great job, Kate, helping to improve the “reputation”of hyenas. I hope everyone has an opportunity to visit an active den with pups. One of our memeorable events was observing such a den and having 2 pups come to the vehicle and lick the tires.
Thanks very much, Vin. Amazing – yes young hyena are so curious and that brings a lot of entertaining antics to observe around the den sites!
Kate these little pups are very cute and so inquisitive. James has summed it up perfectly, by first watching and then coming to a conclusion. How we miss James and his intelligent topics and infectious laugh. Kate your foto’s are beautiful and your story well written.
Love hyena.. It started around 2010 when live drives started showing us the hyena den and it had one tiny black cub (Teddy) and some older youngsters and the mothers. They are so very smart and have very close bonds with the other members of the pack. But truly, watching the young ones at the den is the best!