Spotted Hyena. by Meisiekind
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
I took this image in the Thorny Bush Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
Here is some trivia regarding this fellow that most people love to hate! Hyenas are mostly scavengers and are known to steal kills from lions, leopards and cheetahs, although they do sometimes hunt themselves and then usually in a pack. They have the strongest jaws of all carnivores.
This particular hyena was one of a pack of five who had actually made their own kill. We were too late to see the actual kill but watched in amazement as they devoured the poor buck in just a short period of time - bones and all. The buck's blood can still be seen on this fellow's neck and face. (I know it is eeewww, but that is nature.)
I have personally had two very close calls involving hyenas and are therefore very careful around them!!!
Thank you for popping in and for any comments you wish to make!
Hugs, Carin xx

Comments (53)
Excellent capture, looks superb through the dry grass. Thanks for the infos too!
Wow, what a great shot, pure nature!!
Wonderful capture; funny, they don't LOOK dangerous. Just goes to show, doesn't it?
Very nice portrait of this hyena. A fascinating animal but dangerous ! Hugs Virginie
Excellent capture of impisi, do you know that this is my fave all time African beast. I love them all laughing spotted srtipped etc...gorgeous creatures!
I've always respected Hyenas - and never quite understood why they are so disliked. This photograph certainly imbues the creature with due dignity and gives it the respect it deserves. Excellent as always. Hugs Mike xx
I would expect to see a photo this well shot in a publication by National Geographic. Extremely interesting to those of us who will probably never see one of these creatures in the wild. And the 280mm focal length shows you were maintaining a safe distance ... smart girl!
An amazing sight. Really impressive portrait... very well placed in the frame. :-)
I too agree you should send this to National Geography Mag... Magnificent capture...hubby and I watched a special the other night on these heyna's... Also a first view of yours for me so nice to meet you Hope you come visit me in my gallery as well This is def a fav Hugs Susan~
wunderful image
Wow, fascinating, Carin! Magnificent photo! Thanks for uploading and sharing it with us - I personally love wildlife photography... it's like you get all the adrenaline rush of hunting but without blood being spilt. Great commentary too.
One of the most amazing creatures I ever saw in one of my African trips I was in my Lodge and heard lapping outside my window, when I took a look I was faced with one of these! With water and well as blood from a fresh kill dripping down its face!! He was just making the most of a handy water supply.. Great shot Carin
Good shot! Thanks for the information too...
It must be great to see those animals in nature! Excellent capture! Well done.
there is a place for everything in nature but must admit not one of my favourite animals :o)..excellent capture carin mick
Fantastic shot my friend :)
Très jolie photo
A beautiful capture and a fascinating story, You must have been quite close to this animal, the eye focussed on something is very sharp and gives a beautiful expression to this animal, Fantastic, a big WWWWWWwoooOOOOOOwww Een prettige avond Groetjes Henk
Superb photo! I love the colors and textures in this shot.
Wonderful shot.
Spotted hyena, sank same. Wonderful POV, composition and detail in this shot of the hyena, Carin! So how do you describe this scavenger in relation to other carnivores? Can't say "magnificent beast," like you can with a lion. And be careful out there in the veldt.
Stupendous capture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wonderful shot... fantastic nature photo
I really do have to come visit !!
Fantastic shot, Carin. They sound an awful like the wolves around here! Thank you for the info and the beautiful shot! :)
The great thing about your photography my Love is that friends and visitors alike who come to your gallery are always in awe of your pictures. Yours truly is no exception...and it feels great to brag "This Picture was captured by my Baby". This image is no exeption. Well done Sweetheart....143
EXCELLENT CAPTURE , COLORS & BEAUTIFUL !!!!!
remember touching one (tamed), a surprisingly soft fur they have... wonderful capture, Carin!
Fantastic shot here! Hyenas are such intriguing creatures with rather...um...odd biological trappings as well. The fact that they will steal kills from lions--and engage in all out species warfare with them on occasion--makes them incredibly intriguing creatures for me. As for this image, I love the poise you've captured. Powerful jaws or not, this is an elegant and beautifully caught picture. Great work!
What a wonderful shot out it the wild... great shot and how lucky to be able to see this in person, not just in the zoo!