Spotted hyena Fast Facts Common name: laughing hyena, spotted hyena Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Hyaenidae Genus species: Crocuta crocuta (from crocus - the color of saffron, and utus which means provided with) Size: males 79 to 86 cm (32-34 in.), females 84 to 89 cm (34-35 in.) Description: coat is rough and short, color is reddish brown to tan, becoming lighter and less spotted ...