Hyenas are most of the time related to brutal feeding, a reputation for eating prey while it is alive. What then seems cruelly enjoyed is not out of malice but rather an act of adaptation and survival. Unlike large felines such as lions or leopards, hyenas do not have strong, heavy paws with pointed, razor-sharp claws to produce deadly blows. Instead, they rely on their very powerful jaws and strong teeth to overpower their prey and consume it. The strategy of hunting with one’s jaws cannot easily allow for a killing blow; hence, such gory scenes in the wild.
Another significant factor influencing this behavior is the very competitive environment in which hyenas hunt. Hyenas always hunt in groups, and often, there is a great risk involved in their preying: getting their hunt stolen by another predator or scavenger, like lions, wild dogs, or vultures. Most hunting expeditions are usually characterized by loud vocalizations and pure energy from the group that might attract the attention of other animals with much ease. They eat fast and nastily, often consuming their prey while it is still alive lest they lose their hard-won meal. In a sense, their feeding frenzy becomes something necessary to make sure they get their nutrients as much as possible before their potential competitors arrive.
Funny enough, though hyenas have gained notoriety for this, it is not something peculiar only to them. Even large cats, which have a killing bite intended to kill prey quickly, are known to eat larger animals while these animals are still alive. This is particularly the case in larger prey items that include buffalo, giraffes, or elephants where the size and strength of the prey item precludes an instant kill. This is often because of necessity rather than choice, as a fatal blow may be difficult to administer or take too long.
Ironically, the hyena’s mode of consumption, though cruel, often brings quicker death to the animal compared to the protracted asphyxiation or pursuit. This may promote rapid blood loss or shock faster than in some other predatory situations. Hence, though this might seem savage, such an approach on the part of the hyenas would serve a dual purpose: maximizing their efficiency in a competitive environment while minimizing the time in which their prey is alive.
It can thus be concluded that the cruel feeding of hyenas is a must, rather than cruelty, given their need for powerful jaws, competition with other predators, and haste with which they must eat their catch. Cruel as it might appear to human observers, in the wild, it is a practical and necessary strategy to survive.
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