This is the largest of the three hyena species. They have a sturdy build, long neck, high shoulders, and long muscular legs, with the forelegs longer than hind legs and four toes on each foot with non-retractile claws. The head is massive with rounded ears and robust teeth adapted for chewing bones. The coat is rough, comparatively short, and ranges in color from reddish-brown to tan, growing lighter and less spotted with age.
Spots are black and rounded.
Tail tip, muzzle and lower parts of limbs are dark brown. A slight mane may be present on neck and shoulder. Has at least 11 different, intergrading calls, ranging from groans, grunts, growls and squeals to lowing and whooping. Africa south of the Sahara except rain forests and true desert, up to 13,000 feet. More carnivorous than other hyenas.