Hyena Size Explained & Compared With Others

Hyena Height & Length

Hyena Size

Hyenas, also known as Hyaenas, are medium-sized terrestrial feliform carnivores from the family Hyaenidae. 

These animals are native to Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Many people confuse them to be related to dogs, due to their dog-like appearance and size. However, these animals are more closely related to cats. 

There are a total of four species of hyenas, of which spotted hyenas are the largest, growing about 4 to 5.4 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) long and 2.3-3 ft (28–36 in) tall from paw to shoulder. 

Overall, Hyenas range in length from 22 to 65 inches including the tail, while their height is about 16 to 36 inches. 

Height & Length Inches Centimeters 
Male & Female Length: 37 to 65 inches
Height: 16 to 36 inches
56 to 166 cm41 to 92 cm

Hyena Weight

Hyenas have a wolf-like physique and are rather large. Their skulls are likewise considerably bigger and heavier. 

Typically, the hyenas can weigh about 15 to 121 pounds, depending upon which individual species they belong to. 

However, the spotted hyena as told previously is the largest among them, weighing about 89 to 153 pounds. 

Additionally, the Males are bigger than females in most hyena species, but the spotted hyena is an exception, where the females are 10 to 15 % heavier than their male counterparts, and dominate the male. 

In specifics, male hyenas can weigh up to 15 to 149 pounds whereas female hyenas weigh about 15 to 153 pounds.

Weight Pounds Kilograms 
Male 15 to 149 pounds7 to 68 kg
Female 15 to 153 pounds7 to 70 kg

Hyena Paw Size

Hyena’s front legs are longer than its back legs. They have four toes on each of their legs which support short, blunt, non-retractable claws. 

In terms of size, their paw length ranges from 3 to 4 inches like that of a medium-sized dog. 

Additionally, they have bulky pads on the bottom of their paws which allow them to run swiftly and take sharp swift turns to catch their targeted prey efficiently. 1

Hyena Pack Size

Hyenas are among the most social wild animals. They work in clans by forming large family groups which can consist of up to 130 members. 

In specifics, the pack size of hyenas varies from one species to another. However, on average the pack size could be around 6 to 100 members. 

Additionally, the females of the pack dominate the clan and rank higher than the males in the clan. 

Here’s Fun Reddit About Hyena Size

Hyena Size Compared To Humans

Hyena Size compared with human

Despite the spotted hyenas having been known to attack people in the present world, such instances are quite uncommon. 

However, spotted hyena attacks on people are probably to be underestimated. To predict just how dangerous and life-threatening these creatures could be to us, it is important to do a thorough comparison between us and the hyenas. 

So, as mentioned previously, hyenas can weigh about 15 to 121 pounds with a body length of about 4 to 5.5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) long and 2-3 feet tall from paw to shoulder. 

Whereas, the average human being weighs around 110 to 154 lbs (50 – 70 kgs) with a height of 5.5-5.9 ft. 

With the given specifics, we can conclude that hyenas are quite comparable in size to ours. Adding their exceptional predatory skills, these creatures can be seriously deadly for us. Therefore, the best option is to avoid and steer clear of their way.

Hyena Vs Wolf Size Comparison

Hyena Size compared with wolf

Both hyenas and wolves are formidable predators in their own sense.  However, a typical thought that pops up in our minds is which of them is larger and more dominant.  

Although, the hyena and the wolf are very similar in terms of their size. The hyena may reach up to 160 pounds, whereas wolves can weigh up to 180 pounds or somewhat more. Both can grow to be 5 feet in length with a height of about 2 feet to 3 feet at the shoulder.

In specifics, hyenas weigh about 15 to 153 pounds with a length ranging from about 22 to 65 inches and a height of up to 16 to 36 inches. 

While an average wolf weighs 50-176 lbs with a body length of about 3.4 ft – 5.5 ft and a height of up to 26in – 36in. 

Therefore, we can conclude that wolves are quite comparable in size to hyenas. However, hyenas do have an advantage of weight over them.

Size Hyena Wolf 
Weight 15 to 153 pounds50-176 lbs 
Height Length: 22 to 65 inches 
Height: 16 to 36 inches. 
Length: 39-65 inches
Height: 26in – 36in

Hyena Vs Lion Size Comparison

Hyena Size compared with lion

Hyenas are not even anywhere near the size of a lion with an approximate weight of 500 lbs. 

As we mentioned previously hyenas weigh about 15 to 153 pounds with a length ranging from about 22 to 65 inches and a height of up to 16 to 36 inches.

Comparing this to a lion, who weighs about 500 pounds with a body length of about 6-7 feet and a height of 4 feet. We can easily conclude that lions are much larger and more powerful than hyenas in terms of size. 

Size Hyena Lion 
Weight 15 to 153 pounds500 pounds
Height Length: 22 to 65 inches 
Height: 16 to 36 inches. 
Length: 6-7 feet
Height: 2.9-3.9 feet 

Hyena Vs Leopard Size Comparison

Hyena Size compared with leopard

Leopards are somewhat bigger than hyenas at their largest. They are often counted as one of the largest mammals on earth. Typically a leopard may weigh up to 198 pounds, stand up to 2.5 feet tall, and be 6 feet long. 

Meanwhile, a hyena may weigh up to 150 pounds, stand up to 3 feet tall at the shoulder, and grow to be around 5 feet long. 

The size of these creatures is quite comparable. However, Leopards are significantly bigger and more powerful than hyenas.

Size Hyena Leopard 
Weight 15 to 153 pounds198 pounds
Height Length: 22 to 65 inches 
Height: 16 to 36 inches. 
Length: 6 feet
Height: 2.5 feet

Hyena Size Vs Dog Size Comparison

Due to their eerily similar features, dogs and hyenas are frequently confused. Nonetheless, the hyena is a larger creature. As we mentioned before, hyenas may weigh up to 160 pounds, are 5 feet long, and stand 3 feet tall at the shoulder.  

Dogs, on the other hand, may weigh up to 80 pounds, stand around 2.5 feet tall, and grow to be a little over 3 feet long. 

Therefore, we can easily conclude that hyenas are much larger and more powerful in comparison to dogs. Moreover, they are heavier and much more deadly predators.

Size Hyena Dog 
Weight 15 to 153 pounds80 pounds
Height Length: 22 to 65 inches 
Height: 16 to 36 inches. 
Length: 3-4 feet  
Height: 2.5 feet

Conclusion

And that was everything you need to know about the size of a Hyena. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered.

Thank You For Reading!

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