How to Identify the Aardwolf

Although they resemble their larger cousins, the striped hyena, Aardwolves are harmless animals. They are easy to recognize because of their distinctive appearance, their nocturnal sleep cycle, and their diet of termites.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check your location against the Aardwolf's native habitat. The Aardwolf only inhabits Southern and Eastern Africa, so you won't see one in the wild anywhere else.

2. Observe the animal's coat. Aardwolves have a light, slightly orangish pelt with dark stripes.

3. Observe the face. Aardwolves have pointed ears and sharply tapering muzzles which are dark brown or black.

4. Look at the size of the animal. Aardwolves are smaller than other hyenas. When fully grown, they are usually only 2.5 feet long, and weigh 30 pounds or less.

5. Observe the animal's behavior. Aardwolves are insectivorous, nocturnal loners. They come out of burrows in the late afternoon to eat termites, which they hunt alone. Except when mating, the aardwolf lives alone.