They're so cute when they're little

We are wrong when we say people "laugh like a hyena." Hyenas emit harsh howls and yelps when they are on the prowl, which happens a lot, because they are some tough little critters, and they are plenty scary to other animals, although they usually leave humans alone out of fear that we will attempt to make them listen to Yanni music. In some cultures, people think that hyenas are in league with the demons who seek to influence our spirits, or steal children, or rob graves.

I worked in radio with a guy named Rob Graves. You don't think he....no.

But, since the young versions of most species are so doggone cute, here's a baby spotted hyena who was spotted at the Hattiesburg Zoo in Mississippi. The baby's mom is Pili, and those who know of such things say Pili's baby is the only surviving hyena cub born in North America so far this year.

Kristen Moore is the animal curator at the Zoo down there in Hattiesburg, and she says they are "thrilled with the birth of this cub.  We feel good that Pili is doing well and is being a great mom to her first-born cub.”

The youngster was born on October 17 and is not out there on display just yet. For now, the walkway in front of the hyena habitat is closed so that zoo officials can keep their eyes on mama and cub. 

“We ask our guests to be patient while our animal care team closely monitors the cub and mother in these important early stages as they acclimate to their habitat and spend time together,” said Rick Taylor, executive director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, which manages the zoo.

Too much information department: it is difficult for hyenas to give birth, because their birth canals are about an inch in diameter. Zoologists report that the fathers tend to be very apologetic before, during, and after the birth process.  

“Pili is nursing her baby who is suckling well, but we have hurdles yet to cross so we are cautiously optimistic at this point,” Moore said.

What's more, no one will know the gender of the newborn for another month or so, until a blood sample can be taken.  No one working at any zoo anywhere has the temerity to walk up to a hyena and look down there.

I'll let you know if they have a "Name The Baby Hyena" contest!