Gray wolf vs Spotted hyena
Gray wolf vs spotted hyena
Spotted hyena is larger on weight
Spotted hyena is 1.5× gray wolf on weight.
A gray wolf and a spotted hyena can be compared on 6 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.
Side by side
| Gray wolf | Spotted hyena | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 23–62 kg | 40–86 kg |
| Height | 0.66–0.95 m | 0.7–0.92 m |
| Length | 1.05–1.6 m | 0.95–1.6 m |
| Top speed | 50–65 km/h | 60 km/h |
| Typical lifespan | 6–16 yr | 12–25 yr |
| Bite force | 400 psi | 1,100 psi |
What the numbers say
- Spotted hyena is 1.5× gray wolf on weight.
- Gray wolf and spotted hyena are near enough identical on height.
- Gray wolf and spotted hyena are near enough identical on length.
- Gray wolf and spotted hyena are near enough identical on top speed.
- Spotted hyena is 2.5× gray wolf on typical lifespan.
- Spotted hyena is 2.8× gray wolf on bite force.
Weight compared.
Spotted hyena 40–86 kg
Gray wolf 23–62 kg
Gray wolf
The largest wild canid and the ancestor of the domestic dog.
Spotted hyena
A social carnivore whose jaws crack bone; females are larger than males and lead the clan.
This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.
Common questions
- Which is bigger, gray wolf or spotted hyena?
- Spotted hyena is 1.5× gray wolf on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
- How do gray wolfs and spotted hyenas compare on height?
- Gray wolf: 0.66–0.95 m. Spotted hyena: 0.7–0.92 m. Gray wolf and spotted hyena are near enough identical on height.
- How do gray wolfs and spotted hyenas compare on length?
- Gray wolf: 1.05–1.6 m. Spotted hyena: 0.95–1.6 m. Gray wolf and spotted hyena are near enough identical on length.
Related pages
Sources
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution
- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place