They look like large dogs, but are more closely related to cats like lions and tigers. Their powerful jaws give them the strongest bite of any mammal. Though commonly regarded as scavengers, they are strong hunters, especially when in a large group. Cubs are born with eyes open and teeth present, ready for combat the moment they’re born. Siblings compete fiercely to nurse first and weaker ones are sometimes killed. Their mother’s milk is extremely high in protein and fat. By the time they’re weaned at 1-1.5 years, juveniles already have a complete set of adult teeth.

Naturally selected for size and aggression, the high levels of testosterone produced at an early age may have led to the development of the ‘pseudopenis’ in females. This is an enlarged clitoris through which they urinate, mate, and deliver young. Females also have a pair of sacs filled with fibrous tissue which look much like the male scrotum. It is now thought that this sexual mimicry may have protected masculine-looking females from the aggression of other females.

Spotted hyaenas live in female-led clans of up to 80. Some think the pseudopenis may help clan members recognise one another. Individuals often greet each other by standing side-by-side and head-to-tail, sniffing each other’s extended ‘phallus’ for up to 30 seconds. Females do not usually greet males this way though they may make an exception for the highest-ranked males. In spotted hyaena hierarchy, even the lowliest female is one rung above the most high-ranking male.

Spotted hyaenas also vocalise when they meet, using groans and soft squeals. A fast whoop is used by excited hyaenas at a kill – males sound this more often than females but are typically ignored by the clan. Female calls tend to get more of a response. Hyaenas kept waiting at a kill will emit a lowing call. Grunts and a rattling growl are used in aggressive interactions with clan members. Their trademark giggling, or "laughing" call, expresses fear or excitement.

Inspiring fear and also reverence in the eyes of humans, spotted hyaenas feature prominently in the culture of many African people. The Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania leave their dead out to be consumed by the spotted hyaenas. Some Ethiopians use the hair and scraps of skin collected from dead hyaenas as talismans and their body parts are used in witchcraft in Tanzania. In other parts of Africa, they are alternately persecuted as pests or exploited for tourism.