They are generally nocturnal, but are sometimes active during the day. They are both scavengers and fierce hunters as situations demand. Rarely solitary, they usually live, hunt and eat in groups of as many as 50 individuals. They are noisy animals, capable of making a great variety of vocalizations. Blood-curdling laughter usually indicates a successful hunt.
Hyenas also communicate by body posture and by scent marking.
Anal glands secrete substances which the animals deposit on grass stalks. They often follow migrating herds of large herbivores, feeding on carcasses if they are available, and on new-born babies. When necessary, they hunt in packs, killing animals as large as zebras. Extremely strong jaws and teeth allow them to crack large bones. Bones and bone marrow form a considerable part of their diet.