Why do hyenas laugh?

Answer: Vocalization signals stress

Laughing scares prey animals — Wrong. Laughing doesn't scare prey—hyenas are efficient hunters. The giggling indicates stress or excitement, not a predatory strategy.

Vocalization signals stress ✓ — Correct! The hyena's giggle is a stress vocalization—a high-pitched series of sounds. It often occurs when the animal is nervous or frightened and submitting to a dominant individual, when competing over food and feeling excited or anxious, or when being chased. It has nothing to do with happiness. Each hyena's laugh is unique and helps with individual identification. Spotted hyenas are the most vocal, and their complex social hierarchy relies heavily on such sounds. They also produce long-distance whoops and aggressive growls. The name is misleading—this laughter is not related to human laughter but indicates arousal or stress.

Imitating human laughter — Wrong. Hyenas don't imitate humans—their vocalizations are natural communication. The high-pitched giggles signal stress, submission, or excitement.