![alt="hyena conservation wildlife photography Africa"](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a4d05d15-1cb3-4a85-ba21-97299f391611/d302ed85-d81c-4063-88a1-e3538bc15308_rw_1920.jpg?h=b729612e5b09a56c8f3fb88e9adb3d87)
![alt="hyena conservation wildlife photography Africa"](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a4d05d15-1cb3-4a85-ba21-97299f391611/e9abc43f-5b5a-458b-a3c6-4e9771835af1_rw_1920.jpg?h=a9bef13561251033280cafd328095cf7)
I did an early morning game drive in the park and saw a clan of Hyena enjoying their morning activities on the road. It was a chilly morning, and the Spotted Hyenas gathered some precious heat from the tar's surface.
![alt="hyena conservation wildlife photography Africa"](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a4d05d15-1cb3-4a85-ba21-97299f391611/0c46bde8-4309-4a7b-95c0-8bbc8e9c65a5_rw_1920.jpg?h=45b853d23fb8fd775fb0c30fedf64b0f)
The Hyena pictured showed its curiosity towards our presence by approaching the vehicle with caution. We were under "Hyena inspection."
![alt="hyena conservation wildlife photography Africa"](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a4d05d15-1cb3-4a85-ba21-97299f391611/5a679df8-b4ee-495c-94c2-aa32da46a040_rw_1920.jpg?h=f4bf0fda37e6d5b226593168bf6a6275)
A Hyena cub and its mother watch the curious antics of the other Hyenas from a safe distance in the bush. The look on both animals' faces is one of alarm and intrigue.
![alt="hyena conservation wildlife photography Africa"](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a4d05d15-1cb3-4a85-ba21-97299f391611/2983cca1-9268-4194-a992-d6b1042ea540_rw_1920.jpg?h=6b4d6dfb6704953e5802e47226d78e1a)
This Spotted Hyena is sniffing the plants. It is unclear what it is trying to sniff, but it is amusing and odd behaviour for a scavenger with a fearsome reputation.
![alt="hyena conservation wildlife photography Africa"](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a4d05d15-1cb3-4a85-ba21-97299f391611/35d91d75-fc8c-4eb1-9715-b84dbcf28339_rw_1920.jpg?h=cee2d754a4192d68b49c5ea738219096)
There were multiple Hyenas sniffing plants in the area. These Spotted Hyenas were enjoying the aromas of the morning fauna and flora.
![alt="hyena conservation wildlife photography Africa"](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a4d05d15-1cb3-4a85-ba21-97299f391611/9367b01e-af58-4441-8e5b-9ab213a39fa9_rw_1920.jpg?h=4a73abb0bce2d35d871c83269c423d6a)
To the right, I notice other amusing behaviors from the Hyenas. This little Hyena is being shoved off the road by an elder for no apparent reason. It sure is entertaining to watch.
![alt="hyena conservation wildlife photography Africa"](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a4d05d15-1cb3-4a85-ba21-97299f391611/9556d264-60ec-4147-96c7-5c40dc2c98f4_rw_1920.jpg?h=b77aea5ff407655936126de495802375)
Further down the road, two Spotted Hyenas are mock fighting.
![alt="hyena conservation wildlife photography Africa"](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a4d05d15-1cb3-4a85-ba21-97299f391611/538f60a7-f30a-44fb-8aa4-bc65d090a3f3_rw_1920.jpg?h=e7ae48f1bffdd1670fc30fa17dee86f4)
Fun and frivolity abound among the Hyena in the early morning, sighting upon the road of the reserve. I have never witnessed such pleasurable activity from a clan of Hyenas. It was eye-opening and made for a beautiful photo story to share.
![alt="hyena conservation wildlife photography Africa"](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a4d05d15-1cb3-4a85-ba21-97299f391611/43ef82e2-668f-44e0-9771-2063eaf68353_rw_1920.jpg?h=83c78b1f124cf3f1358da9c6c7b57654)
The name Spotted Hyena makes sense when you notice the spots on the animal's fur coatings.