Hyena Vs Wolf: Wild Animal Face-Off Facts Revealed For Curious Kids

The list of world-famous predators includes wolves that are revered for their pack mentality and ferocious personality.

On the other hand, the hyena, an animal found most commonly in Africa, is known for its prowess and power as a carnivore. But how does its strength measure up when compared to a wolf?

To know about a hyena's strength compared to a wolf's, let's look at how hyenas hunt for their food. These animals, like wolves, hunt in packs; their packs are called cackles; you would find dozens of hyenas going for one kill.

For instance, it was once witnessed that around 35 hyenas attacked a zebra.

Although you might think a zebra would be stronger than them, a hyena's bite force is strong enough to kill almost any animal. Hyenas' hunting practice also includes using their famous laugh that can travel miles to call for backup if they need it to grab their food.

Here are some fun facts about an adult hyena before we begin our debate on hyena vs wolf. Hyenas have both sexes in them, and this is primarily because the testosterone level is transferred to female and male offspring through the placenta. Thus both male and female hyenas technically have both sexes in them, with either side dominant.

Did you know that a Pit Bull holds enough power to beat a hyena? This is mainly because a hyena is a comparatively thinner and less muscled animal, and thus, its overall strength would be lesser than that of a Pit Bull.

Lastly, to clear up any confusion, a hyena is not related to a wolf, even though both may seem to have a violent personality. The reason is that both species are genetically different; hyenas are closer to felines, and wolves belong to the canine family, which includes dogs.

Evidence about hyena hybrids is sparse. As for breeding a hyena with a wolf, it seems impossible as hyenas are more related to the cat family and the wolf to dogs. Hence, a hybrid between these two is highly unlikely.

Starting a fight between the two most aggressive animals would probably be a terrible idea, right? But who would emerge as the winner? Let's find out! Hyena vs. wolf, what will be the result?

Are you excited to read some more animal facts? Then check out our articles on wolf facts and muskrat vs. beaver.

Are wolves or hyenas stronger?

Wolves and hyenas both hunt in a pack and are equally inherently violent. Hyenas and wolves share many other qualities that make them similar despite being different species altogether.

If a single hyena were to go against a lone wolf, it would be logically tough to determine who would win as both species have their strengths and weaknesses. Both these animals have comparable carnivore traits, and we think it would be a close call if they were to go up against each other.

If these two animals were to fight in packs, the winner could still be anyone. But if a pack of 30 hyenas went against a mere six wolves, then the former would undoubtedly win. Although it would hardly be a fair fight, everything is fair in the wild.

Wolves seem to be faster and stronger, but a hyena knows how to use its strengths to the best of its ability.

Wolves, especially the gray wolf, are determined fighters, as are spotted hyenas. Still, the hyena is relatively larger, has more powerful jaws and a robust build, making it more aggressive.

So in this sense, hyenas seem stronger than wolves.

Who would win: a pack of wolves or hyenas?

Before speaking about a pack of wolves or a cackle of hyenas, let's know about their attributes.

The spotted hyena could be one of the strongest competitors for the wolf with its 3 ft (91.4 cm) height, up to 143 lb (65 kg) weight, and a top speed of 40 mph (64 kph). It could easily be a formidable opponent for the wolf.

The hyena lacks in defense, but it makes up for it in the offense it gives to its prey.

Hyenas tend to have a bite force of 1,100 psi (77.3 kg/cm2), which could easily be a force strong enough to crush an entire bone! It is found that a hyena can even digest the bone matter of its prey.

The wolf species, on the contrary, is less heavy; a wolf's weight is around 176 lb (80 kg) and a wolf is the same height as a hyena. Their sprint speed is also the same, but when in packs, which would win? The group with hyenas or the group with wolves?

The hyena, more specifically the spotted hyena, is the only enemy of lions in Africa. In contrast, the wolf is a foe of the bear in North America, so you can estimate each species' strength and fighting skills by seeing their worst opponents.

However, while the gray wolf is a super predator due to its endurance, speed, and excellent killing instinct, it could fall short compared to a hyena. A hyena's strong bite force points towards a strong jaw which is even more potent than that of lions and, of course, wolves.

So if hyenas are enough to give tough competition to lions, then between packs of wolves and packs of hyenas, our bet is definitely on the latter.

Do hyenas hunt wolves?

Hyenas and wolves are both dangerous carnivores, and a fight between these two creatures could result in the former winning the fight.

But since both species are predators, you may wonder if a hyena can seek out and hunt a wolf? Are hyenas occasional wolf hunters in the wild? Let's find out!

You may be surprised to know, but a few years back, at the Negev desert, a member of striped hyenas was found to hunt along with a wolf pack!

This was especially unusual as striped hyenas are solitary creatures who don't like staying in groups. It was concluded that due to the harsh nature of their habitat, the striped hyena and wolf resorted to all possible help they could get and made the best possible use of each other's strengths.

So presumably, in extreme conditions, a hyena and wolf can live together.

Although there hasn't been much evidence on hyenas truly seeking and hunting down wolves, you could say if push comes to shove, they could prey on wolves as we have already seen that a hyena is more than capable of beating a wolf.

Why do hyenas laugh?

Ever heard someone say the phrase 'laugh like a hyena'? What's with the comparison of human laughter and hyenas? Is this animal so funny that its laugh has now become popular?

Well, apologies for bursting your bubble, but the so-called laugh of a hyena is not because it's funny; neither is the hyena amused by anything funny. Instead, it's a hyena's loud barking noise that sounds like cackling laughter - meaning that a group of hyenas is fittingly called a cackle.

A hyena's laugh is actually its means of communication amongst group members and can convey fear, frustration, or excitement.

You would hear this unique vocalization mostly when they go hunting or prey in a group. When a hyena is under attack or a member of its group has made a kill, their maniacal laughter can be heard.

Interestingly, if a younger member of the hyena group is not given its fair share of a fresh kill, then you might hear this laughter too.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for hyena vs. wolf, then take a look at where do artichokes grow or where do cells come from.