Hyenas are opportunistic predators that will hunt and kill deer when given the chance. However, hyenas do not actively seek out deer as their primary prey. Instead, hyenas more commonly feed on smaller animals that they can catch themselves, as well as scavenging carcasses killed by other predators. Hyenas will attack deer, particularly fawns or sick/weakened adults, if the opportunity presents itself. But healthy adult deer are often too large and dangerous for hyenas to bring down on their own. So while hyenas are capable of killing deer, they do not rely on deer as a regular food source.
Do hyenas actively hunt deer?
No, hyenas do not actively pursue and hunt healthy adult deer. Deer are substantially larger than hyenas, and healthy adult deer can be dangerous prey for hyenas to tackle. Hyenas are much better suited to hunting and scavenging smaller prey that they can more easily overpower, like wildebeest calves, antelope, birds, reptiles, and insects. Hyenas will also readily scavenge carcasses of larger animals like buffalo, zebra, and warthog that have been killed by lions or other predators. But actively hunting healthy adult deer is rarely worthwhile for hyenas.
When do hyenas attack deer?
Hyenas may attack deer under the following circumstances:
- Fawns – Baby fawns are vulnerable and cannot outrun hyenas. Fawns make for easy prey.
- Sick/weakened deer – Deer that are ill, injured, or suffering from disease are easier targets for hyenas.
- Isolated deer – A solitary deer separated from its herd is more vulnerable to an attack.
- Desperation – During times of severe drought or famine, hyenas may resort to riskier deer hunts out of desperation.
- Territorial defense – Hyenas may attack deer that wander into hyena territory to defend the area.
- Opportunistic encounters – If a deer crosses paths with a hyena clan, they may seize the opportunity to attack.
In most cases, some element of vulnerability or weakness in the deer prompts the hyena attack, as healthy adult deer are difficult prey.
How do hyenas kill deer?
When hyenas do attack deer, they use the following killing methods:
- Biting the throat – Hyenas bite the throat to crush the trachea and asphyxiate the deer.
- Pulling down – Hyenas will pull down a deer by latching onto a leg or neck while others attack from the sides.
- Disemboweling – Hyenas may rip open the deer’s underbelly and eat the viscera while the deer is still alive.
- Snapping the neck – Hyenas may grab and twist the deer’s neck to break it.
- Eating the deer alive – Hyenas start feeding before the deer is dead, essentially eating it alive.
Hyenas have incredibly powerful jaws that can exert pressure of over 1000 psi, allowing them to crack bones and kill prey. Hyenas are also intelligent pack hunters that can coordinate attacks on large prey like deer when hunting together.
How often do hyenas kill deer?
Hyenas do not kill deer very often. As mentioned, hyenas prefer smaller prey that is easier to catch and consume. Healthy adult deer are usually avoided by hyenas. Estimates suggest hyenas may kill deer in 1-2% of their hunts in areas where deer are present. Deer remains are rarely found in hyena dens. So while hyenas are capable of killing deer, they do not seek deer as their primary food source.
What other predators kill deer?
While hyenas only occasionally kill deer, these predators frequently prey on deer:
- Mountain lions
- Wolves
- Bears
- Leopards
- Jaguars
- Cheetahs
- Alligators (in water)
- Killer whales (in water)
These predators are well-adapted to hunting fleet-footed deer. Many specifically target deer as a major food source. Their hunting skills and physical attributes make them much more effective deer predators compared to hyenas.
Do hyenas eat deer they didn’t kill?
Yes, hyenas are opportunistic scavengers and will readily eat deer carcasses they find, even if they didn’t kill the deer themselves. Hyenas have incredibly strong jaws that can crush and digest every part of a carcass, including bones. After other predators like lions make a kill, hyenas often chase them away and take over the carcass. Hyenas can devour massive amounts of meat and bones quickly, making them effective scavengers.
What deer defenses protect them from hyenas?
Deer have several defensive adaptations that help protect them from hyena attacks:
- Speed – Deer can run at speeds over 30 mph to outpace hyenas.
- Agility – Deer are very nimble and can rapidly change directions as they run.
- Powerful hooves – Deer can inflict serious injury on predators with their hooves.
- Antlers – Male deer antlers can be used as weapons against attackers.
- Herd behavior – Deer find safety in numbers within large herds.
These adaptations allow healthy adult deer to avoid predation from slower, less agile predators like hyenas. Only the fastest predators like cheetahs can catch healthy mature deer.
Do hyenas and deer ever fight over kills?
Yes, hyenas and deer will sometimes fight over carcasses that both want to feed on. Deer are herbivores but will eat meat opportunistically if they find carrion. Disputes can arise if a hyena clan is scavenging a carcass and deer attempt to join the feeding. Neither species wants to give up an important food source. Deer may use their hooves and antlers to strike at hyenas in an attempt to chase them away from the carcass. But the hyenas vicious biting generally allows them to fend off the deer and defend the carrion for their own consumption.
Conclusion
In summary, while hyenas are capable of killing deer, they do not actively hunt them very often. Hyenas prefer smaller, easier prey that can be more safely hunted alone or in packs. Deer are only attacked under certain circumstances when vulnerable such as when alone, sick/injured, or very young. Healthy adult deer can easily outrun hyenas and defend themselves with their speed and antlers. Deer are much more likely to be killed by other dedicated deer predators like wolves, mountain lions, bears, etc. But hyenas will opportunistically scavenge deer carcasses when available, even fighting off deer to protect their food source.