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What if I told you there's an animal with a bite so strong it can crush bones like the crackers? Lives in groups as big as a small town and is led by powerful females. That's right. Today's topic is the spotted hyena. I'm your host, Garrett Maroon, and before I introduce my three favorite Savannah Explorers, let me give a huge happy birthday to Jacob Schrogren, who's turning eight years old on May 8th. Happy birthday, Jacob, and thank you for giving us the suggestion of the spotted hyena. If you want to say hi to the nature loving kids, suggest a topic, or get a birthday shout out yourself, please email us at nature lovingkidspodcast at gmail.com. Now, introducing my three favorite explorers.

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Hi, I'm Hattie. Happy birthday, Jacob. I have a May birthday too. And I'm Dylan, and I also have a May birthday.

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Hi, I'm Ivy, and I'm the funny one. And my birthday is in June.

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Today we're learning about one of the strongest and smartest animals in Africa, the spotted hyena. Hyenas are not what you think. Here's something surprising. Hyenas are actually related to cats.

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Wait, really? They look more like dogs.

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I know, but they're closer to cats than dogs. They're just built differently.

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That's already surprising.

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Now for one of the most incredible facts. Hyenas have one of the strongest bites of any land animal.

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How strong?

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Strong enough to crush bones. Not just chew them, crush them completely.

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That's wild.

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It really is.

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That means hyenas can eat parts of animals that most predators leave behind, even the bones, so nothing goes to waste.

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Wild, but true. Hyenas don't live alone. They live in large groups called clans.

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Some clans can have up to 80 hyenas, and that is really, really big.

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It's huge. They work together to hunt, protect each other, and raise their young.

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So they're very social.

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Exactly. They are clever animals that rely on teamwork. Alright. It's time for a joke break. What do you have for us, Ivy?

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One hyena fighting against three hyenas. The one hyena will lose body old.

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That's not a real word. Why did the baby hyena smile? Why? It was positively adorable. Hey everyone, Hattie here. If you like this podcast and want bedtime stories for kids, check out my dad's podcast called Lantern Hollow.

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Here's something really interesting. The leader of the clan is usually female.

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Really?

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Yes, and the females are often bigger and stronger than the males.

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You know that's right.

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The female leader helps guide the group and keeps order in the clan. Now spotted hyenas live in grasslands, savannas, and open areas of Africa.

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So they're out in the open, not hiding in forests?

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Exactly. They're built for life on wide open land where they can travel and hunt together. Hyenas are also very intelligent. They solve problems, communicate with sounds and body language, and work together to hunt animals larger than themselves.

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So they're not just scavengers.

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Not at all. They are skilled hunters and smart problem solvers. Alright, looks like we've got time for one more joke break. Dylan, why don't you go first?

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What do you call a tiny hyena? What? A giggle cub.

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What's a baby hyena's nickname? What? Tiny giggles.

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When we look at hyenas, we see something really interesting. They're strong, organized, and built to work together.

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Like a system.

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Exactly. The Bible shows us that God created a world full of order, purpose, and design. Even animals that seem strange or misunderstood have a role.

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Hyenas remind us that strength can be used for survival.

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Teamwork matters.

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And every part of creation has a purpose.

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Think about this. An animal that can crush bones, lead large groups, and work together with dozens of others.

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That's pretty impressive.

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It really is. Sometimes the animals people misunderstand the most are actually some of the most incredible. Spotted hyenas aren't just scavengers.

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They're strong, smart, and deeply connected to their clan. From powerful bites to complex social groups.

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They remind us that nature is full of surprising design. Thanks for joining us on the Nature Loving Kids Podcast.

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If you like this episode, share it with a friend. And remember, click the follow button. New episode every one of them. And please leave a review.

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Not quite, Dylan. Until next time, stay curious, get outside, and remember, the world is full of wild wonder.

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But run away, it's trying to kill you.