Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Hyena and a Cheetah?

When considering the outcome of a hypothetical battle between a highly adaptable scavenger, the hyena, and the fastest land animal, the cheetah, there are several factors to take into account. Each has its strengths, but the environment and the specific circumstances of the encounter can significantly influence the outcome.

Hyenas: Adaptable Predators and Scavengers

Typically, spotted hyenas are larger and more robust compared to cheetahs. Their physical attributes, combined with their pack behavior, make them formidable creatures. Hyenas are known for their strong jaws, which are designed to crush bones. Additionally, they are resilient and can defend themselves effectively against threats. Hyenas often hunt in groups, which provides them with an advantage in strength and coordination during an attack.

Cheetahs: Speed and Agility Over Strength

Cheetahs are built for speed and agility, sacrificing much of their other physical traits for this flexibility. They have an incredible ability to reach speeds of up to 60-70 mph, making them the fastest land animals. However, this speed comes at the cost of other features. For instance, they have small heads, contributing to weak jaw strength. This design choice allows them to create less drag during chases, making them highly efficient pursuit predators.

The Battle of Speed and Strength

In a one-on-one encounter, a hyena would likely have the upper hand. Its size, strength, and aggressive nature give it a significant advantage over the cheetah. Cheetahs, despite their formidable speed, would prefer to escape if the opportunity presents itself. However, if a cheetah were to attack a hyena, it might have a chance if it could leverage its speed to evade and strike effectively.

A Land Predator Hierarchy in Africa

The land predator hierarchy in Africa is as follows: 1. Lion, 2. Hyena, 3. Leopard, 4. Wild Dog, 5. Cheetah. Given this hierarchy, it is evident that a cheetah would not fare well against a hyena in a direct confrontation. For instance, leopards are sometimes killed by hyenas.

Observations and Video Evidence

There is video evidence that supports the idea that hyenas are more likely to win a battle with a cheetah. When a cheetah does encounter and interact with other predators, it rarely actually “fights” them. Instead, it chases and mock charges other animals. In some cases, when a cheetah does engage with large predators, it relies more on intimidation and speed rather than direct combat.

For example, cheetahs have been observed successfully intimidating leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and even a lioness. It’s often enough for a cheetah to accelerate rapidly towards an opponent to make them reconsider their situation. Even when they encounter smaller cat species like servals or caracals, cheetahs tend to bully and aggressively chase them but rarely engage in violent confrontations. The same holds true for jackals, where cheetahs have been known to kill just a few instances.

Conclusion: Hyenas are Not Fighters

Ultimately, cheetahs are not fighters, and this is due to evolutionary adaptations that prioritize speed over other combat-related attributes. Their small heads and weak jaw strength reflect a design optimized for hunting and pursuing prey rather than engaging in intense battles. The land predator hierarchy in Africa clearly places the hyena in a superior position compared to a cheetah in direct confrontations.

For more detailed information and additional video evidence, you can refer to the following sources:

Video of a Cheetah Interaction with a Hyena Video of Cheetah Mock Charges with Other Predators Documentary on Cheetah Behavior and Predation