Hyena
The hyena is a dog like creature that lives throughout Africa and in the southwest region of Asia. The origins of the hyena date back approximately fifteen to twenty million years ago. The hyena’s scientific name is Crocuta Crocuta and is part of the Hyaenidae family. They can grow to be eighty-nine centimeters in size and weigh up to eighty-six kilograms. The hyena is also known for its distinct laugh like noise used for communication.
Though hyenas are known to be scavengers, they are also skillful hunters. They will both kill and scavenge for food. Spotted hyenas are the only recorded type of hyena to feed upon humans, but some individuals believe all types hyenas feed upon humans. Through stories of witchcraft and insanity, the hyena has not obtained the best of reputation in modern society.
In African culture, the hyena is associated with witchcraft. It is believed that witches can turn themselves into a hyena. Due to this belief, the spotted hyena in Africa is equivalent to the superstition of a black cat in America which symbolizes the fear of bad luck. In Tanzania, it is believed that hyenas are witches pets or servants and are branded. It is believed that the brand stays invisible to humans so to show ownership to the witch. It is also considered bad luck to kill a hyena. If the witch whom owns the hyena finds out who the hunter was, the hunter would be killed with witchcraft.
In American culture, the hyena is portrayed as a villain. This idea came partly about as a result of the hyena’s portrayal in the Disney animated movie “The Lion King”. The movies trio of hyenas has varying characteristics, but all display some form of insanity. This insanity is shown through the trio’s odd pleasure of teasing its prey with jokes about consuming them. Disney movies are more often than not targeted for the younger audiences. When a child sees something depicted in a certain way, this idea often sticks with them as they grow older. If audiences are shown that the animal is “mean” or “evil”, they will in turn also believe the same.
Whether African folklore or American movies, the hyena has earned the reputation of being an unstable animal whose behavior can’t be predicted nor trusted. The hyenas’ conservation status is threatened and must be protected so that the species can sustain. It is still important for man to save this species from possible extinction even though the hyena will potentially kill the man.
Though hyenas are known to be scavengers, they are also skillful hunters. They will both kill and scavenge for food. Spotted hyenas are the only recorded type of hyena to feed upon humans, but some individuals believe all types hyenas feed upon humans. Through stories of witchcraft and insanity, the hyena has not obtained the best of reputation in modern society.
In African culture, the hyena is associated with witchcraft. It is believed that witches can turn themselves into a hyena. Due to this belief, the spotted hyena in Africa is equivalent to the superstition of a black cat in America which symbolizes the fear of bad luck. In Tanzania, it is believed that hyenas are witches pets or servants and are branded. It is believed that the brand stays invisible to humans so to show ownership to the witch. It is also considered bad luck to kill a hyena. If the witch whom owns the hyena finds out who the hunter was, the hunter would be killed with witchcraft.
In American culture, the hyena is portrayed as a villain. This idea came partly about as a result of the hyena’s portrayal in the Disney animated movie “The Lion King”. The movies trio of hyenas has varying characteristics, but all display some form of insanity. This insanity is shown through the trio’s odd pleasure of teasing its prey with jokes about consuming them. Disney movies are more often than not targeted for the younger audiences. When a child sees something depicted in a certain way, this idea often sticks with them as they grow older. If audiences are shown that the animal is “mean” or “evil”, they will in turn also believe the same.
Whether African folklore or American movies, the hyena has earned the reputation of being an unstable animal whose behavior can’t be predicted nor trusted. The hyenas’ conservation status is threatened and must be protected so that the species can sustain. It is still important for man to save this species from possible extinction even though the hyena will potentially kill the man.