An intriguing video capturing a hyena playing in the water, even “swimming on its back,” has given the online community a different perspective on this animal.
Hyenas are often known as one of the most greedy, aggressive, and reckless scavengers on land. Not only that, but they also enjoy stealing food from other predators, which makes them less appealing to many.
Hyena swimming on its back leaves the online community amazed. (Video: Lastest Sightings).
However, surprisingly, hyenas can also be quirky swimmers. A unique and entertaining video recorded by photographer Lambert Fourie shows a completely different side of this animal.
No longer is it the image of a fierce predator ready to pounce on its prey; the hyena in the video casually plays and relaxes in a puddle.
It dives, splashes water, and rolls in the mud to cool off in the heat of Africa. At one point, the hyena even lies on its back, lifts its legs out of the water, and splashes around as if attempting to swim on its back.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when the hyena performed what can only be described as swimming on its back,” Fourie excitedly recounted. “Hyenas are always considered land animals, and they certainly are not a species that loves water.”
Jessica, a social media user, commented: “A happy hyena! It looks like it’s smiling.”
Duffy, another user, shared: “I’ve seen hyenas swim and act like puppies in a puddle. Since then, I’ve had a different view of hyenas.”
In fact, while not all hyenas are adept swimmers, these resourceful mammals can utilize water for various reasons. Specifically, they may sit in shallow ponds to cool off on hot days or engage in social interactions like playing and grooming.
The hyena, a daring predator with sharp teeth, often chooses to overwhelm its opponents with numbers. (Image taken from the video).
Hyenas are the most common carnivores in Africa. There are four species of hyenas: brown, spotted, striped, and the lesser-known aardwolf. While the spotted hyena is the largest, all hyena species possess a large head, strong jaws, and long forelegs.
Animal researchers investigating hyena intelligence are still trying to understand their limits. Hyenas live in complex societies with intricate rules. They are considered smarter than other carnivores, such as lions.
In reality, with their innate cunning combined with pack strength, hyenas are a constant threat on the savannah to other animals. When encountering them, other animals tend to be cautious and retreat to ensure their survival.
As sharp, cunning predators, hyenas primarily follow lions, leopards, etc., and seize their food to survive. In these encounters, hyenas rarely end up dead due to their reckless nature, sharp teeth, and numerical advantage.
Additionally, hyenas have some unique abilities, such as tracking and exploiting scavenger birds like vultures to locate successful hunts.
