This vicious looking snarl, photographed on a recent tour of the Kruger National Park, is actually just a Spotted Hyena yawning. The jaws of a spotted hyena are extremely powerful and its dentition specifically adapted to be capable of crushing the long bones of even giraffe and buffalo carcasses.
Just to remind us that Spotted Hyenas are actually very interesting animals that certainly don’t deserve the bad PR they’ve been getting, here’s a photograph of two very cute cubs taken on the same trip.
Cute Spotted Hyena cubs
I am a fully accredited and legally registered tour guide (with all the necessary insurance, professional drivers license and first aid certification) – don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like me to arrange a guided tour of beautiful South Africa and all her natural wonders, like the Kruger National Park, for you as well, or even just to assist with your holiday reservations for our national parks and nature reserves throughout the country.
DeWetsWild 
Those teeth are impressive. Thanks for given the maligned hyenas some positive PR! They don’t deserve their reputation and they are very interesting and social (with each other I hasten to add!). I really like your photo of the beautiful cubs. When seeing them, I am often struck by the intense intelligence the look of a hyena can convey.
I’m very fond of hyenas. From the little “teddy bear” babies to the big matriarchs; whether it is watching them interact with each other or seeing how purposeful they stride through the veld just gives me a thrill.
I have had some very close encounters with Hyenas, so can attest to the fearsomeness of their teeth! They are fascinating creatures to observe and it is well worth reading about their fascinating social behaviour.
I really find hyenas fascinating, Anne, and don’t mind at all if other people pass them by allowing me more time to watch them go about their business.
Sounds like there’s a few campfire stories to be told, Anne!?
Indeed 🙂 🙂