Cave hyena
Extinct Eurasian apex predator related to the spotted hyena.
Cave hyenas—classified as *Crocuta (crocuta) spelaea* and *Crocuta (crocuta) ultima*—are extinct hyenas that once roamed across Eurasia during the Pleistocene, from Western Europe and West Asia all the way to eastern Siberia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. Their fossils turn up frequently in caves, most of which date to the Last Glacial Period. These animals were apex predators, hunting large mammals like wild horses, steppe bison, and aurochs, and they left behind piles of big Pleistocene mammal bones in places such as horizontal caves, sinkholes, mud pits, and muddy riverbanks. Alongside the cave lion (*Panthera spelaea*), they were one of the top predators in northern Eurasian ecosystems, and the two species probably fought over carcasses. Like modern African spotted hyenas, they likely lived in clans.
Often considered subspecies or populations of the living African spotted hyena (*Crocuta crocuta*)—to which they were closely related and looked very similar, though they were noticeably larger—genetic evidence from the nuclear genome shows that Eurasian *Crocuta* populations (including western *Crocuta crocuta spelaea* and Asian *Crocuta crocuta ultima*) were highly genetically distinct from African ones, having split off more than a million years ago. There is also evidence of limited interbreeding between Eurasian cave hyenas and African spotted hyenas. Some researchers have suggested raising these two subspecies to full species status as *Crocuta spelaea* and *Crocuta ultima*.
Cave hyenas lived alongside both Neanderthals and modern humans in Europe. Evidence indicates they sometimes ate Neanderthal remains, and they also appear in cave art. The exact cause of their extinction isn’t fully understood, but it may have resulted from a mix of factors, including human activity, a drop in prey numbers, and climate change.
**Description**
The size of cave hyenas varied by environment: those in colder climates were larger, following Bergmann’s rule. A 2017 study estimated they averaged about 88 kilograms (194 pounds), roughly 60% heavier than living spotted hyenas. Compared to living spotted hyenas, their limb bones were more robust—proportionally thicker and shorter—and their ulna was more curved. In the skull, the first and second upper premolars touched each other, whereas in living spotted hyenas they are separated by a gap (a diastema). Overall, though
- scientific name
- Crocuta (crocuta) spelaea and Crocuta (crocuta) ultima
- time period
- Pleistocene epoch
- average weight
- approximately 88 kilograms (194 lb)
- range
- Eurasia, from Western Europe to Southeast Asia and eastern Siberia
- diet
- large ungulates (e.g., wild horse, steppe bison, aurochs)
- status
- extinct
Lore & Background
Cave hyenas were closely related to and heavily resembled the living African spotted hyena, though they were considerably larger in size. Genetic evidence from the nuclear genome suggests that Eurasian Crocuta populations were highly genetically divergent from African populations, having split over 1 million years ago, with limited interbreeding. Some authors have suggested that the two subspecies should be raised to species level as Crocuta spelaea and Crocuta ultima. The size of cave hyenas varied depending on environment, with populations inhabiting colder climates having a larger body size, exemplifying Bergmann's rule. A 2017 study estimated that on average cave hyenas weighed approximately 88 kilograms, around 60% heavier than living spotted hyenas. Their skeletal anatomy differences from living spotted hyenas are relatively minor, though some limb bones are more robust and the skull shows contact between first and second upper premolars, unlike the gap seen in living spotted hyenas. Evidence from cave art suggests they had a similar physical appearance with a spotted pelt.
Reader's Guide
Cave hyenas were significant apex predators in Pleistocene Eurasia, shaping ecosystems alongside the cave lion. They coexisted with Neanderthals and modern humans, and evidence suggests they consumed the remains of Neanderthals at least on occasion. Their remains are found in many caves, providing a rich fossil record that helps scientists understand Pleistocene ecology and predator-prey dynamics. The cause of their extinction is not fully understood, but may have involved a combination of human activity, diminished prey, and climate change. Their relationship to the living spotted hyena remains a subject of taxonomic debate, with genetic evidence indicating deep divergence. The study of cave hyenas offers insights into the behavior, social structure, and environmental adaptations of large carnivores during the Ice Age.
Did You Know?
- Cave hyenas were around 60% heavier than living spotted hyenas, averaging about 88 kilograms.
- Genetic evidence suggests Eurasian cave hyenas split from African spotted hyenas over 1 million years ago.
- Cave hyenas likely lived in clans, much like African spotted hyenas.
- They consumed the remains of Neanderthals at least on occasion.
More in Extinct Cenozoic Mammals 1-24
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