Some of them use the burrows of other animals for their lair, which they can enlarge for themselves-- as they are provided with burrowing claws.
They are not tree-climbers, as their claws are not sufficiently retractile for that.

It is in their teeth their main dependence lies, and in the great strength of their jaws.
Hyenas are solitary animals, though often troops of them are seen together, attracted by the common prey.

A dozen or more will meet over a carcass, but each goes his own way on leaving it.

They are extremely voracious; will eat up almost anything--even scraps of leather or old shoes! Bones they break and swallow as though these were pieces of tender flesh.

They are bold, particularly with the poor natives, who do not hunt them with a view to extermination.