Hyæna

(Zool.) A carnivorous animal, the different species of which compose the fam. Hyænada. The hyænas are digitigrade animals, with more or le elongate limbs, and the body depre ed posteriorly. They are characterized by the po e ion of four toes on each foot; thick, short, and blunt claws; and no small tubercular teeth in the lower jaw behind the molars. The dentition is regular; 34 teeth in number, 18 in the upper and 16 in the lower jaw. There are 5 molar teeth on each side in the upper jaw, and only four on each side in the lower. The dental formula is thus expre ed: 1-1 5-5 Incisors canines -, molars -; total=34. 6' 1-1 44 6 By the structure of their teeth, the hyænas are able to crush the bones of even the largest prey, and the muscles of their jaws and neck are so powerful, that it is almost impo ible to take anything from them that they have seized. In habits, they are le sanguinary than animals of a similar nature to themselves, and live more on dead prey, even preferring flesh that has become quite putrid. In general form they resemble the Canida , but are easily distinguished from them by reason of the obliquity of their bodies and their peculiar walk, which gives them the appearance of having their hind-legs shorter than their fore ones; not that they are really so, as this results from their always being in a state IMG:content-0656.png:[graphic] Fig. 1334.-STRIPED HYENA, ( H. vulgar is.) of flexion. The muzzle is obtuse, like that of a dog, and the tongue rough and furry, like that of a cat. They are nocturnal animals, and are useful in Eastern cities, where they act the part of scavengers, and carry off all refuse and decomposing bodies during the night. Of the hyæna in ancient times many fabulous stories used to be related, which had not the slightest probable foundation. They were said to be hermaphrodites, changing their sex every year; also it was reported that if the shadow of their bodies fell on those of dogs, it would render the latter dumb; and, finally, they were said to be able to imitate the voices of men, and to call them by name! The family of the hyænas are natives of Asia and Africa; and the striped hyæna, H. vulgar is , (Fig. 1334,) is the best known of the different species. This animal is of a yellowish-gray color, and the skin is cro ed by deep transverse black bands. From the neck along the back a long black mane, mottled with yellow hair, extends to the tail, while the ears are of a brown color, and nearly naked, broad at the base, long and erect. Of solitary, retiring habits, it is, however, easily tamed by man, and will thus become a faithful watchdog. It is called the strand - wolf by the inhabitants of the Cape of Good Hope, where a variety of it is found. The spotted hyæna of the Cape, Crocuta maculata , or tiger-wolf, is smaller than the last-mentioned animal, and is of a brownish-yellow color, diversified with numerous dark-brown or black spots. The remains of hyænas have been found in most tertiary formations over the greater part of Europe. (Also written hyena.) Hyale'a, Hyale'idæ, n. ( Zool .) A genus and fam. of molluscous animals, Fig . 1335.- HYALEA. the place of its earliest manufacture.] Gla y; resembling gla ; consisting of gla .