The spotted, or laughing, hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is a ruthless scavenger and killer, burglarizing food stores, stealing livestock, consuming wastes, and occasionally even killing people. While this behavior has earned the spotted hyena a reputation, it may be even better known for the spine-tingling sounds it produces, among them cackles and giggles that sound remarkably similar to human laughter. But are hyenas really laughing?
Spotted hyenas produce multiple different vocalizations, each of which means something distinct for the listener. The “laughter” vocalization for which they are known is a high-pitched series of short gigglelike sounds. These sounds, rather than being associated with hyenas having a good time, are generally made when they are threatened or under attack.
A hyena may also produce a laughterlike sound when it is frustrated. This can happen, for example, when another clan member attempts to steal its food.The pitch of a hyena’s giggle may also communicate information about its age or status, with older individuals often having lower-pitched and less variable sounds than younger individuals.