Many people wonder if hyenas live in the United States, often associating these carnivores with distant lands. While no wild hyenas exist in North America today, ancient hyena species once roamed the continent. This article explores their current absence and their past presence in the U.S.
No Wild Hyenas in the United States Today
Currently, there are no native, wild populations of hyenas in the United States. These animals are primarily found across Africa and parts of Asia, thriving in diverse habitats. The four main species of hyenas—the spotted hyena, striped hyena, brown hyena, and aardwolf—each have distinct geographic ranges outside of North America.
Spotted hyenas are widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and semi-deserts. Striped hyenas range from northern and eastern Africa through the Middle East to India and parts of Asia. Brown hyenas are found in a more concentrated area of southern Africa, while the aardwolf, the smallest of the hyena species, is native to eastern and southern Africa.
Echoes of the Past: Ancient Hyenas in North America
While wild hyenas are absent from the modern American landscape, fossil evidence reveals ancient hyena species once roamed North America millions of years ago. The most notable was Chasmaporthetes, often referred to as the “running hyena.” This genus existed during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs, approximately 4.9 million to 780,000 years ago, making it the only hyena known to have crossed the Bering land bridge into the Americas.
Chasmaporthetes differed from modern hyenas, particularly the spotted hyena. It was characterized by long, slender limbs, resembling more dog-like or cheetah-like carnivores, and was adapted for cursorial hunting. Its diet was hypercarnivorous, focusing on meat, and it did not possess the bone-crushing capabilities seen in many contemporary hyenas. Fossil remains of Chasmaporthetes have been discovered in the southern United States, including Arizona, Texas, Florida, northern Mexico, and the Canadian Arctic. The reasons for their extinction are not fully understood, but factors include climate shifts and competition from other predators like canids.
Where You Can Find Hyenas in the U.S. Today
For those interested in seeing hyenas in the U.S., the only way to do so is in controlled environments such as zoos, wildlife parks, and research facilities. Many accredited zoos house hyena species, most commonly the spotted hyena. Institutions like the Bronx Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Denver Zoo, and Saint Louis Zoo are examples of places where hyenas can be observed.
These facilities play an important role in educating the public about hyenas and participating in conservation efforts. Many zoos are involved in Species Survival Plans (SSPs), cooperative breeding programs designed to maintain genetically diverse and healthy populations of animals under human care. Research facilities also contribute to understanding hyena biology and behavior, often working with captive populations. While these animals are not wild, their presence in such settings offers a unique opportunity for scientific study and public appreciation.