Discover Why Hyenas Laugh and What It Means When They Do 

Quick Take

• Hyena laughter has nothing to do with amusement, and what it actually signals reveals how their whole social world operates. See what laughter really signals →
• Only one of four hyena species produces the iconic laugh, and the reason why says a lot about how these animals survive. Find out which species laughs →
• A hyena's pitch tells its clan members something surprisingly precise about who it is, making any introduction unnecessary. Explore how pitch reveals identity →
• The popular image of hyenas as scavengers turns out to be a misconception. Hyenas are actually skillful predators. Discover the hunting call truth →

The idiom laughing like a hyena is known throughout the world, but what sounds like laughter (or a shrill cackle) to the human ear has a very different meaning to the hyenas themselves. Of the four recognized species of hyenas (family Hyaenidae), only the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) produces the signature laughing sound. While their vocalizations are called laughter, the sounds are actually a complex form of social communication rather than a reaction to something humorous. Continue reading to learn why hyenas laugh and what it means when they do.

Do Hyenas Really Laugh?

Hyenas do not actually laugh. Although the spotted hyena may sound like it is laughing, these vocalizations are not associated with emotions such as joy or amusement.

Why Do Hyenas Laugh?

The sounds hyenas make may resemble human laughter, but they are actually used to communicate events such as an attack or when a clan member has made a kill. If a hyena has made a kill and is not ready to share, it will emit a barking noise that sounds like laughter to signal this to the clan. Other clan members may respond with similar vocalizations to express frustration.

The pitch of a hyena’s laugh depends on the animal’s social status. Hyena clans are matrilineal, meaning that females are dominant and lead the clan. Subordinate (lower-ranking) hyenas generally emit the highest-pitched vocalizations. They will produce these sounds in response to frustration, stress, or submission when competing for food.

Alpha females, called matriarchs, produce lower-pitched, steadier barks. The pitch and frequency of these calls allow other hyenas to determine the age, identity, and social status of the caller.

What Does a Hyena Laugh Communicate?

Spotted hyenas possess a complex communication system with up to 14 distinct vocalizations, ranging from famous long-distance whoops to high-pitched giggles signaling stress. These sounds, which include growls, yells, and whines, are essential for managing social hierarchies, hunting, and coordinating clan activity.

The laughing sound is a high-pitched, manic vocalization typically produced when a hyena is nervous, stressed, or excited. These sounds are emitted during competition for food with other clan members or lions. Growls and grunts are used during close-range communication between clan members, such as greetings.

Whooping is a long-distance, far-carrying call used to rally clan members, establish territory, or signal excitement. Each individual has a signature whoop. Defensive noises, called yells, are produced when hyenas submit to higher-ranking individuals or flee from danger.

What Does Laughing Like a Hyena Mean?

Laughing like a hyena describes someone who is laughing loudly, foolishly, or hysterically. After listening to a hyena laugh, it is easy to see where the saying comes from, as spotted hyenas sound like they are laughing uncontrollably.

What Sounds Do Hyenas Make When They Hunt?

Spotted hyenas are carnivores and dominant African predators, contradicting the popular misconception that they are primarily scavengers. Hyenas will scavenge, but studies show that they hunt and kill the majority of their food, often between 50% and 70% depending on the region and prey availability. While on the prowl, spotted hyenas will use fast whoops, a rapid version of their iconic long-distance call, just before an attack. The laughter-like sound is also heard during hunts, as it indicates high stress. This sound is frequently heard during the frenzy of a kill, especially when subordinate hyenas compete for access to meat or are chased by more dominant clan members. Low-pitched growls and snarls, which are used to communicate aggression, are typically emitted after the hunt during the intense competition that occurs around a fresh carcass.