Michigan State University’s Kay Holekamp’s 30 years of research on the spotted hyena has revealed that the species doesn’t deserve the negative stereotype of sly scavenger it is so often assigned. Her field work in Masai Mara, Kenya, using a non-threatening observation method, has expanded scientific knowledge of the animal’s hunting behavior, vocalizations, and clan social structure. Chapters describing daily observation outings are interspersed with fascinating spotlights on the humans involved, including Kay’s path to her current expert status, her diverse crew of young American students, a Kenyan research assistant, and the extraordinary chain of events that brought 69-year-old Dee, a one-time zookeeper (and supervisor of Kay’s high school internship) to her job as data manager and assistant on the hyena study. Abundant photographs highlight the hyenas and their habitat, as well as the scientists at work. (Ages 9–13)

"An appealing, elegantly designed introduction to another much-maligned species." —Kirkus (starred review)

"A fascinating, informative, and inclusive window into a feared and misunderstood species." —Booklist (starred review)

This myth-busting addition to the critically acclaimed Scientists in the Field series by Sibert medal winning team Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop is perfect for nonfiction readers looking for more female scientist narratives, or a fresh perspective on an underrepresented animal—Hyenas!

Timely and inspiring, The Hyena Scientist sets the record straight about one of history’s most hated and misunderstood mammals, while featuring the groundbreaking, pioneering research of a female scientist in a predominately male field in this offering by Sibert-winning duo Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop.

As a scientist studying one of the only mammalian societies led entirely by females, zoologist Kay Holecamp has made it her life’s work to understand hyenas, the fascinating, complex creatures that are playful, social, and highly intelligent—almost nothing like the mangy monsters of pop culture lore.