The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is named for its short thick yellow-grey fur which is covered in a spot pattern. Renowned for its scavenging, the Spotted Hyena is a strong hunter too – it has a bite so powerful it can crush a giraffe’s bones. The Spotted Hyena is the largest of the hyena family which also includes the brown hyena, the striped hyena, and the aardwolf. Each animal has a different spot pattern, which allows individuals to be easily recognised. Also known as the laughing hyena, it can be found in a range of habitats within Sub-Saharan Africa.