A hyena was a type of pack animal known for its shrewdness and hunting skills and for its disturbing laugh-like call. Hyenas came in different varieties but commonly had stripes on their fur, weighing about 120 pounds and measuring between three and four feet in length. Their fur coloration gave them an advantage when hiding within areas of tall grass, and they were commonly found amidst the Dotted Plains.
Hyenas fought in packs and were intelligent enough to send some of the members to circle and flank their prey. They were capable of tripping with their sharp jaws.
Gnolls had a particular affinity for hyenas, with many keeping them as pets or guards.