News Animals

Female hyenas kill off cubs in their own clans

Dominant females may keep low-ranking group members in check by crushing cubs’ skulls

a female hyena and her cub

Hyena females are attentive, nurturing mothers. Yet competition within the clan seems to spur females to kill others’ cubs. Groups of females have even been observed ganging up on a lower-ranking rival to attack her cub.

Kate Yoshida

By Carolyn Wilke

- More than 2 years ago

Female hyenas may be out for cubs’ blood — even within their own clans.