South Africa: One spotted hyena turned from a snarling predator into a playful puppy, when it happened to see a muddy pool.
The fearsome-looking animal, also known as a laughing hyena, was walking along a dirt road in South Africa. When it viewed the muddy water pool, the animal was deciding to dive straight into it.
The hyena, who dived in to keep cool, could be seen playing in the pool for 20 minutes, spattering the mud up to one meter high and biting at the water.
Safari lodge manager and head ranger Gavin Tonkinson was in chase of cheetahs in the Madikwe Game Reserve when he spotted the enjoyment of hyena.
Spotted hyenas are more social than other types even if they want to be alone always.
Part of their strangeness is that they make many varied noises including roaring, howling screaming and the well-known laughter.
Usually these noises are used to alert other clan members up to three miles away of a food source.
Traditional Western beliefs regarding the spotted hyena date back to Aristotle’s time as he described the species as a cowardly and dangerous animal.
Seen as stealthy and tricky, the hyenas of folklore and mythology related to human cultures are viewed as frightening as well as worthy of contempt.
Some cultures think that hyenas can influence people’s spirits to rob graves, steal livestock and children.

Video on hyena cubs playing with lion cubs