1. Hunting and Predation: Spotted hyenas are skilled hunters and primarily feed on large herbivores such as wildebeest, zebra, and antelope. They often hunt in groups and use their strong jaws and sharp teeth to take down prey.
2. Scavenging: Hyenas are also known to be opportunistic scavengers and consume the carcasses of dead animals. They may compete with other scavengers, such as vultures and jackals, for access to these food sources.
3. Intra-species Competition: Spotted hyenas live in social groups called clans, and competition for food, territory, and dominance can lead to aggressive interactions within the group. This may involve fights, biting, and chasing among clan members.
4. Territorial Defense: Hyenas defend their territory from other hyena clans as well as from other predators. This can lead to territorial conflicts and aggressive encounters with neighboring groups.
5. Predation on Smaller Animals: Spotted hyenas have been known to prey on smaller animals, including birds, reptiles, rodents, and even young ungulates. They can exhibit aggressive behavior while hunting these smaller prey items.
6. Interactions with Humans: Spotted hyenas have a reputation for being dangerous and may display aggression towards humans who approach their territory or encounter them while feeding or defending a kill.
It's important to note that spotted hyenas play an important role in ecosystems as scavengers and predators, helping to maintain ecological balance. However, their aggressive behavior and interactions with other animals can sometimes lead to conflict and competition in the wild.