SPOTTED HY^NA (HY/ENA CROCUTA). 1 39 



The sound made by a spotted hyaena in something like that of the steam siren 

 of a steamer, and when once heard is always recognisable, and in no way resembles 

 that of the striped. 



They are adepts in the art of taking cover, and when slinking round camp on a 

 bright moonlight night keep to the shadows, depressions and dark patches of ground 

 so that they are seldom seen. 



Cases occasionally occur when they attack a sleeping man or carry off a small 

 child, but these are uncommon. 



In Somaliland, where there are great numbers, we have known a case of four 

 hyaena attacking and killing a camel, and it is a common occurrence when horses 

 have been out grazing at night for a hyaena to take a bite at the rump, tearing out a 

 piece of flesh. 



Their jaws are immensely powerful, being possessed of as much or more strength 

 than the lion. 



When tortoise die, their shells are broken open by hyaena to get the flesh, and 

 a shell about 3 ft. long broken into in this way affords ample proof of their 

 power. Tortoise are often killed in the annual grass fires. 



We are inclined to think that this animal is possessed of more pluck than he is 

 generally given credit for. 



It evidently would not serve his purpose to be brave as a rule, but he can be 

 plucky enough on occasions. We have had a wounded one turn on us when 

 approached with a spear. 



Notes. 



