Aardwolf and Hyenas: Hyaenidae

The spotted hyena (hi-EE-nah) is the largest of three species that include the striped and brown hyenas. Hyenas weigh about 57 to 190 pounds (26 to 86 kilograms). The aardwolf (ARD-wolf), included in the Hyaenidae family, weighs about 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 14 kilograms). All hyaenids (members of the Hyaenidae family), except the spotted hyena, have long, shaggy coats. A mane of hair down the back can be erected to make the animals look larger. All have a bushy tail and a sloping back. Anal gland secretions are used for marking territories. Spotted hyena females have genitals resembling those of males.