Aardwolf

Dog-like in appearance, the aardwolf (Proteles cristata) is a hyaena characterised by a distinctive sloping back, large, pointed ears and a long mane running from the back of the head to the tail. Varying from pale yellow to almost red in colour, the aardwolf has thick under-fur covered with denser guard hair. This coat is patterned with regular black stripes – three on the body and one or two on both the fore- and hind-quarters, while the legs and neck may also be marked with irregular stripes and spots. The aardwolf has a slender head and neck with a grey or black muzzle.