How Hyenas Hunt Buffaloes: A Closer Look

It might seem surprising, but there are scenarios in nature where hyenas hunt buffaloes. The story of how and why hyenas hunt buffaloes reveals a lot about the intelligence, persistence, and opportunism of these predators. In this article, we’ll explore how hyenas hunt buffaloes, what factors make such hunts possible, and what this tells us about the dynamics of predator and prey in the wild.

Who are the hunters? Hyenas in focus

The animal most relevant here is the Spotted Hyena. Despite their reputation as scavengers, studies show that spotted hyenas are highly effective predators. They hunt alone or in groups, and in many ecosystems, they kill live prey as often as they scavenge. 

Hyenas typically target prey of medium size—animals they can overpower without excessive risk. According to ecological data, they most frequently take wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles. In this context, it becomes relevant to ask: are buffaloes part of that prey list?

What about the prey? Buffaloes in the wild

The prey in question is the African Buffalo (also called Cape buffalo). These are large, formidable ungulates with weights often well over 500 kg in adults, possessing strength, horns, and herd defence mechanisms. Because of that size and herd behaviour, they present a significant challenge for any predator.

Do hyenas hunt buffaloes? The evidence

Here’s where it gets nuanced. The short answer: yes — hyenas hunt buffaloes in certain cases — but with important caveats.

1. Occasional prey: According to feeding-behaviour studies, spotted hyenas rarely attack adult buffaloes. The data shows: “adult bulls have been recorded to be taken on occasion,” but buffaloes are among the prey significantly avoided by hyenas.

2. Young and vulnerable individuals: The greater likelihood is that hyenas go after younger, older, or weaker buffalo — individuals within the herd that present less risk. The adult buffalo with full strength is generally not a typical target for hyenas.

3. Environmental context matters: The frequency of hyenas hunting buffaloes changes depending on region, presence of competing predators (like lions), herd size, and habitat. In places with larger buffalo herds and ample defensive strength, hyenas may avoid the risk. In other settings, they may attempt hunts or scavenge buffalo carcasses.

4. Examples from observations: Though rare, there are recorded instances of spotted hyenas killing a buffalo — especially in large groups. For example, a Reddit post describing hyenas hunting and killing a young Cape buffalo highlights that it does happen:

   “hyenas hunt and kill a young cape buffalo”

   Another account mentions “A group of spotted hyenas eat an adult buffalo alive” in a user-post:

   “These hyenas were around 25% larger than some of the largest wolves… Needless to say they are very large predators… they are absolutely competent hunters.” 

While these are anecdotal and user-forum posts, they complement the scientific literature showing occasional buffalo predation.

Why is it not a common prey choice?

Given the size, strength, and group defence of buffaloes, there are several reasons why hyenas do not regularly hunt them:

• High risk of injury: An adult buffalo, especially a bull, can inflict serious wounds with its horns or hooves. Engaging such prey carries high injury risk for hyenas.

• Defence by the herd: Buffalo herds often stick together and protect weaker members, making isolated or vulnerable individuals rarer.

• Energy-cost vs. reward: Hunting a large prey like a buffalo means more risk and effort—hyenas may prefer medium-sized prey with lower risk but more predictable success.

• Competition from larger predators: In African ecosystems, buffaloes are also prey for big cats like lions, which may dominate carcass access and deter hyenas from initiating a dangerous hunt.

Thus, while hyenas can hunt buffaloes, they typically don’t unless conditions favour it (weak individual, small herd, cooperation among hyenas, low competition).

Why is it not a common prey choice?

Given the size, strength, and group defence of buffaloes, there are several reasons why hyenas do not regularly hunt them:

• High risk of injury: An adult buffalo, especially a bull, can inflict serious wounds with its horns or hooves. Engaging such prey carries high injury risk for hyenas.

• Defence by the herd: Buffalo herds often stick together and protect weaker members, making isolated or vulnerable individuals rarer.

• Energy-cost vs. reward: Hunting a large prey like a buffalo means more risk and effort—hyenas may prefer medium-sized prey with lower risk but more predictable success.

• Competition from larger predators: In African ecosystems, buffaloes are also prey for big cats like lions, which may dominate carcass access and deter hyenas from initiating a dangerous hunt.

Thus, while hyenas can hunt buffaloes, they typically don’t unless conditions favour it (weak individual, small herd, cooperation among hyenas, low competition).

How a buffalo hunt by hyenas might unfold?

When the scenario is right, here’s how a hunt where hyenas hunt buffaloes might play out:

• A pack of hyenas locates a vulnerable buffalo – perhaps a calf, a sick or old individual, or one separated from the herd.

• They use their endurance and teamwork: hyenas may chase and harass the target, causing it to break away from the herd or become fatigued.

• Once isolated, they may attack the flanks, throat or hindquarters, bringing it down—or at least mortally wounding it. Given the strength of buffaloes, such hunts are more successful when hyenas cooperate and maintain pressure.

• After the kill, hyenas feed rapidly. Hyenas’ jaws and digestive systems are built to consume large amounts of meat, skin, and bone. 

Even after a kill, the risk remains: hyenas must defend the carcass from lions, leopards, or even the buffalo herd itself. Therefore, the decision to hunt buffalo is not taken lightly.

Implications for ecosystem dynamics

The fact that hyenas can hunt buffalo has implications for understanding African savannah predator-prey systems:

• It demonstrates the flexibility of hyena hunting behaviour. They are not restricted to “easy” prey but will adjust tactics when opportunity arises.

• It places hyenas as more significant predators in certain ecosystems—in addition to scavengers—contrary to popular belief.

• It highlights the importance of individual prey vulnerability and environmental context: not all buffaloes are equally safe, and predator behaviour adapts accordingly.