Hyenas are carnivorous mammals native to Africa and some parts of Asia. They are known for their distinctive laughter-like vocalizations, which they use to communicate with other members of their clan. Hyenas are highly adaptable and can live in a variety of environments, from grasslands to forests to deserts. They are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, and their diet includes a wide range of animals, from insects to large mammals. Hyenas have a reputation for being aggressive and ruthless, but they are also social animals that live in groups called clans. The spotted hyena is the largest of the three species of hyenas, and it is known for its powerful jaws and muscular build.