A group of spotted hyenas has just killed a gazelle. It’s time to eat! But not every hyena digs in at once. The females eat first. Next, cubs eat, and then the males. In a hyena clan, females rule! They hunt, care for young and protect the clan’s territory. Take a look at spotted hyenas and the important roles females play to ensure the clan’s survival.

Jaclyn Jaycox is a children’s book author and editor. When she’s not writing, she loves reading and spending time with her family. She lives in southern Minnesota with her husband, two kids, and a spunky goldendoodle.