Do hyenas protect each other during a lion attack?

 Hyenas are known for their social structure and cooperative behavior, especially in defending themselves against predators. When confronted by a common threat, such as lions or other large predators, hyenas may exhibit coordinated defensive strategies. However, it's important to note that the dynamics of such encounters can vary, and not all hyena interactions with predators follow the same patterns.

In the presence of a threat, such as a lion attack, hyenas may display the following behaviors:

1. **Group Defense:** Hyenas often live in social groups called clans. When a member of the clan is under attack, other hyenas in the vicinity may come to its defense. This group defense can involve vocalizations, intimidation, and even physical confrontations with the aggressor.

2. **Mobbing:** Hyenas may engage in mobbing behavior when faced with a threat. Multiple hyenas may gather and vocalize loudly, attempting to deter the predator. This collective response can be an effective strategy against solitary predators or small groups of them.

3. **Strength in Numbers:** The coordinated defense is often a reflection of the hyenas' strength in numbers. Individually, hyenas may be vulnerable to larger predators, but as a group, they can be formidable and may discourage or challenge predators.

While hyenas are known for their defensive capabilities, interactions with lions can still be intense and may lead to injuries or fatalities, especially when lions are in larger groups. Lions and hyenas are natural competitors and can be aggressive toward each other, often engaging in conflicts over resources such as carcasses.

It's important to recognize that animal behavior can be complex, and specific interactions between hyenas and lions can vary based on factors like group size, individual personalities, and environmental conditions. The outcomes of these interactions are not always predictable, and both hyenas and lions have evolved strategies for survival and competition in their respective ecosystems.