Do hyenas eat their babies?

Do hyenas eat their babies? The answer, as with most aspects of animal behavior, is not black and white. While certain behaviors may appear to support this idea, a deeper look into hyena biology, social structure, and maternal instincts reveals a far more nuanced reality.

The Reality Behind the Misconception

The notion that hyenas eat their own offspring likely stems from observations of isolated and misunderstood behaviors in the wild. However, it is critical to separate intentional infanticide by mothers from other survival-driven behaviors found among hyenas, such as fratricide among siblings and consuming already deceased cubs. These are not acts of cruelty or malice but rather the result of evolutionary strategies that enhance survival in the wild.

Hyenas, particularly spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), have one of the most intricate and hierarchical social structures among carnivores. These animals live in matriarchal clans where social rank affects access to food, mating rights, and overall status. In such a high-pressure environment, behaviors that seem violent or grim to human observers are often adaptive and even necessary.

Hyena Cubs and Early Life: Born to Compete

Spotted hyena cubs are born with their eyes open and small but sharp teeth—traits that are unusual among many mammal species. This biological setup equips them for immediate interaction with their environment and siblings. Typically, hyenas give birth to one or two cubs, and it is when there are two cubs that problems can arise.

The phenomenon known as sibling rivalry, or more specifically fratricide, is most common in litters of two. The stronger cub often asserts dominance by attacking and sometimes fatally wounding the weaker sibling within the first few days of life. Scientists believe this is a natural mechanism to ensure that at least one cub survives, especially in resource-scarce environments.

Though rare, the stronger cub may consume its deceased sibling. This act, while disturbing to us, is not driven by hunger or cruelty but is part of an instinctual behavior grounded in survival. The death of a sibling increases the remaining cub’s chances of receiving undivided attention and nutrition from the mother, thus enhancing its odds of thriving.

Maternal Instincts: More Protective Than Perilous

Despite the grim reality of sibling rivalry, hyena mothers are known for their strong maternal instincts. A hyena mother will nurse her cubs for up to 18 months—a significantly long time compared to other carnivores. She protects them fiercely from threats, both within and outside the clan.

The misunderstanding that mothers actively kill or eat their young is far from the truth. When a cub dies—whether from disease, injury, or sibling aggression—some mothers may consume the body. But this should not be misinterpreted as infanticide. In many animal species, consuming a deceased offspring is a practical and even protective action.

By doing so, the mother prevents the scent of death from attracting predators or rival scavengers to the den. Additionally, from a biological standpoint, reabsorbing the nutrients from the dead cub can be seen as a way to fortify herself and protect the remaining offspring. In this sense, it’s an act of preservation rather than destruction.

Hyenas and the Natural Cycle of Survival

In the harsh and competitive environments where hyenas live, survival of the fittest is more than a saying—it’s a way of life. The behavior of consuming a deceased cub, either by a sibling or a mother, plays a role in that cycle. It’s a practical adaptation to a world where resources are scarce and danger lurks constantly.

It’s important to note that hyenas are not the only species that engage in such behaviors. Many wild animals, including rodents, birds, and even primates, may consume their dead offspring in certain conditions. Often, this is a way to reclaim energy, reduce disease spread, or prevent predation.

So, while the behavior may seem grotesque through a human lens, it’s entirely natural and even purposeful when viewed from an ecological and evolutionary standpoint.

Social Intelligence and Complex Hierarchies

Part of what makes hyenas so fascinating is their complex social intelligence. These animals recognize each other’s voices, form coalitions, and engage in cooperative hunting. Their social lives are intricate, with relationships spanning many years.

Within this structure, maternal roles are deeply embedded. High-ranking females typically produce stronger, more dominant cubs who stand a better chance at survival. These dynamics, while harsh, are carefully balanced by the maternal effort and clan behavior that supports the development of the young.

Understanding these aspects helps to put individual behaviors like fratricide or consumption of dead cubs into context—they are not acts of brutality but components of a finely tuned survival strategy.

Dispelling the Myth

So, back to the original question: Do hyenas eat their babies? The answer is yes—but only under very specific and natural conditions, and not in the way most people think. Hyenas do not hunt, kill, or eat their babies out of cruelty or neglect. Instead, what we observe in rare cases is:

• Fratricide, where one sibling kills another shortly after birth

• Maternal consumption of already deceased offspring

• Natural selection is playing out in real time

By understanding the context of these behaviors, we shift away from sensational myths and closer to the truth: hyenas are not monstrous creatures but survivors shaped by millions of years of evolution.