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Certain tribes in eastern Africa believe hyenas are owned and ridden by witches. Any American child with a penchant for Disney movies cringed in fear when the menacing pack circled beloved Simba on the animated African plain. Like a wolf's howl in the western United States, a hyena's laugh piercing the air could send a shiver up the hardiest safari guide's spine.

Because of their fierce jaws, cunning hunting tactics and nocturnal nature, spotted hyenas aren't exactly known for tee-heeing the day away. So what do those spine-chilling peals of laughter mean?

Full story at HowStuffWorks.com.

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