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Scientists in the Field
The Hyena Scientist: A Scientists in the Field Book About Groundbreaking Female Research and Misunderstood Mammals for Kids
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.
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.
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.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published May 15, 2018
21 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Sy Montgomery
67 books2,071 followersPart Indiana Jones, part Emily Dickinson, as the Boston Globe describes her, Sy Montgomery is an author, naturalist, documentary scriptwriter, and radio commentator who has traveled to some of the worlds most remote wildernesses for her work. She has worked in a pit crawling with 18,000 snakes in Manitoba, been hunted by a tiger in India, swum with pink dolphins in the Amazon, and been undressed by an orangutan in Borneo. She is the author of 13 award-winning books, including her national best-selling memoir, The Good Good Pig. Montgomery lives in Hancock, New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 21, 2018
I have read many of the Scientists in the Field books but this one may be my favorite. Hyenas are an animal with a bad rap and the author uncovers the real facts about this species as well as their intelligence. I enjoyed reading about the scientists working to study these creatures (and appreciated that Kay Holekamp, who has studied hyenas for her entire life, is from my alma mater and state I currently reside in. Each scientist is highlighted in this book with their background, why they went into the study of animals, and future plans. This would make a great read-aloud for children in many grades!
August 9, 2018
Interesting but definitely geared towards older readers, not my fifth graders!
January 13, 2019
Take a trip with Sy and Nic as they visit a research camp in Masai Mara, Kenya where Kay Holekamp and her research assistants are studying the social structure, communication, biology, and habits of spotted hyenas.
I like that this gives a very realistic look at what field research can be like in remote areas. It's also very interesting to learn about hyenas. They are commonly portrayed as the stereotypical mean jokesters in fiction, but this shows that they are much more complex in real life. So this fills a needed void in literature to set the record straight. That said, though, I felt like this was a slower read than some of the other Scientists in the Field books. Watching normal, relatively uneventful field research work isn't high octane reading. Animal lovers should find it interesting enough to dive into and classes studying social interactions of animals will find it a valuable resource. Also recommended for teens considering going into animal behavior related fields in university to see if field research sounds interesting to them.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. (Animal mating is mentioned but not described or anything.) Animal fights and animals hunting are described with some injuries/deaths described.
I like that this gives a very realistic look at what field research can be like in remote areas. It's also very interesting to learn about hyenas. They are commonly portrayed as the stereotypical mean jokesters in fiction, but this shows that they are much more complex in real life. So this fills a needed void in literature to set the record straight. That said, though, I felt like this was a slower read than some of the other Scientists in the Field books. Watching normal, relatively uneventful field research work isn't high octane reading. Animal lovers should find it interesting enough to dive into and classes studying social interactions of animals will find it a valuable resource. Also recommended for teens considering going into animal behavior related fields in university to see if field research sounds interesting to them.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. (Animal mating is mentioned but not described or anything.) Animal fights and animals hunting are described with some injuries/deaths described.
April 13, 2019
Great photos. More information about the scientists than the hyenas (which I guess I should have gathered from the title?) Not really what I was interested in, but the bits about hyenas are really interesting.
June 8, 2018
These books are always just a delight. So fascinating and informative and a great close look at these unusual animals and the scientists and students studying them.
October 22, 2020
Full disclaimer: I'm a lot older than the intended audience! But I feel that anybody and everybody can benefit from reading books about animals.
The spotted hyena is my favourite animal ever: I'm always looking to learn more about them and I read scientific papers on them for fun. As a voracious reader of such papers, I've seen the name Kay Holekamp come up a lot. Kay Holekamp and Hans Kruuk are, to my mind, the pioneers of hyena research and study. So when I saw this book, my interest was immediately piqued.
This is a very nicely presented book with big, full-colour images, a hardback cover and, of course, fascinating text on Africa's most misunderstood animal.
As the name suggests, this book is more focused on the scientists and field researchers. There is still plenty of information on spotted hyenas and their behaviours, but the best book for that sort of thing is still Kruuk's The Spotted Hyena: A Study of Predation and Social Behavior. But, this is, nonetheless, a really fascinating look at what exactly it means to be a field researcher. If you're thinking about entering the field, this would be a great book to read. I found it very entertaining and informative even as someone who's yet to set foot in Africa.
The only thing that makes me deduct a star is that there are several spelling errors in the book. If it weren't for them, this would easily be awarded 5 stars.
The spotted hyena is my favourite animal ever: I'm always looking to learn more about them and I read scientific papers on them for fun. As a voracious reader of such papers, I've seen the name Kay Holekamp come up a lot. Kay Holekamp and Hans Kruuk are, to my mind, the pioneers of hyena research and study. So when I saw this book, my interest was immediately piqued.
This is a very nicely presented book with big, full-colour images, a hardback cover and, of course, fascinating text on Africa's most misunderstood animal.
As the name suggests, this book is more focused on the scientists and field researchers. There is still plenty of information on spotted hyenas and their behaviours, but the best book for that sort of thing is still Kruuk's The Spotted Hyena: A Study of Predation and Social Behavior. But, this is, nonetheless, a really fascinating look at what exactly it means to be a field researcher. If you're thinking about entering the field, this would be a great book to read. I found it very entertaining and informative even as someone who's yet to set foot in Africa.
The only thing that makes me deduct a star is that there are several spelling errors in the book. If it weren't for them, this would easily be awarded 5 stars.
February 19, 2025
This book has lots of fun facts about hyenas, but also gives us a glimpse of what wildlife research is like and the different ways people might get into the field. And the photos show just how cute hyenas are.
May 25, 2018
The writer-photographer partnership of Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop have earned 3 Sibert nods (1 medal, 2 honors) with their well-researched, beautifully photographed books. The Scientists in the Field series, for which Montgomery and Bishop have either written or photographed 10+ titles, excels at capturing scientists during their fieldwork, facing obstacles like challenging terrain, remote locations, unpredictable weather, equipment failure, and more. In this title, they follow the work of renowned hyena scientist Kay Holekamp and her research camp in southwest Kenya.
Hyenas are fascinating creatures in the animal world – the female hyenas are dominant, larger and more aggressive than the males. The matriarch presides over a small hierarchal group, defending their territory from rival clans. They are skilled hunters, responsible for hunting most of their prey, despite their reputation as thieving scavengers. The jaw and teeth of the hyena are strong enough to break the leg bone of an elephant!
Montgomery also profiles each member of the research team, chronicling their paths to the research camp, from their early interest in animals to the paths they took in their education and career. I especially enjoyed “Dee’s Story” – Dee White hired Kay when Kay was still in high school to work at the St. Louis Zoo, where Dee worked as a zookeeper. But when Dee wanted to work with adult animals, she was rejected for being a woman. When Dee decided to go to veterinary school, she was so discouraged by the professors and fellow students that she dropped out. Dee gave up on her dream of working with animals for nearly 40 years until she googled Kay’s name and reconnected. Now, at 69, she works as an assistant and data manager for Kay, proving it’s never to late to follow your dreams.
Bishop’s photographs of the hyenas are startling intimate – they capture the hyena’s intelligence, playfulness, and social nature. He also captures details of camp life as team members repair tents, test samples, cook meals, and demonstrate the use of the solar powered outdoor shower. A tense evening when the camp is evacuated due to rising flood levels is captured in a series of dramatic images.
Hyenas are fascinating creatures in the animal world – the female hyenas are dominant, larger and more aggressive than the males. The matriarch presides over a small hierarchal group, defending their territory from rival clans. They are skilled hunters, responsible for hunting most of their prey, despite their reputation as thieving scavengers. The jaw and teeth of the hyena are strong enough to break the leg bone of an elephant!
Montgomery also profiles each member of the research team, chronicling their paths to the research camp, from their early interest in animals to the paths they took in their education and career. I especially enjoyed “Dee’s Story” – Dee White hired Kay when Kay was still in high school to work at the St. Louis Zoo, where Dee worked as a zookeeper. But when Dee wanted to work with adult animals, she was rejected for being a woman. When Dee decided to go to veterinary school, she was so discouraged by the professors and fellow students that she dropped out. Dee gave up on her dream of working with animals for nearly 40 years until she googled Kay’s name and reconnected. Now, at 69, she works as an assistant and data manager for Kay, proving it’s never to late to follow your dreams.
Bishop’s photographs of the hyenas are startling intimate – they capture the hyena’s intelligence, playfulness, and social nature. He also captures details of camp life as team members repair tents, test samples, cook meals, and demonstrate the use of the solar powered outdoor shower. A tense evening when the camp is evacuated due to rising flood levels is captured in a series of dramatic images.
May 28, 2018
I love these Scientists in the Field series. Not only do they give the reader a glimpse into what it's like to be a field scientist but the information about the topic is fascinating. I learned a lot about hyenas reading this book. As Montgomery points out at the beginning of the book, hyenas are seen by many as evil scavengers, but they aren't. They live in clans with complex social mores that Holecamp, even after years of study still works to understand. In addition to sharing some of what she learned about hyenas, Montgomery highlights Holecamp and her research assistants and how they came to work in Kenya. The challenges of field work aren't overlooked as Montgomery details problems such as flooding, lots of mud, and simply finding hyenas to observe. Bishop's gorgeous photographs add a great deal to the book by showing both the people and animals involved in Holecamp's work. A great addition to the series and a fabulous book to offer animal or science loving students.
June 8, 2018
The Hyena Scientist by Sy Montgomery, photographs by Nic Bishop. NON-FICTION. Houghton Mifflin, 2018. $19.
MS – ADVISABLE.
If you have seen The Lion King, then your opinion of hyenas is probably as the lowest of all mammals – akin to the buzzards and vultures of the bird world. Montgomery, however, in her exploration of a group of scientists who study hyenas in Kenya, brings dignity and understanding to the species.
This time Montgomery does an excellent job of balancing information about the hyenas with the background of the scientists and the details of their work. This is my favorite treatment of the science in this series, because it is called Scientists in the Field. I finally got my 8thgrade science teachers interested in this series. Thankfully I have plenty of the titles, because they plan on using them next year in certain parts of their classes!
Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
MS – ADVISABLE.
If you have seen The Lion King, then your opinion of hyenas is probably as the lowest of all mammals – akin to the buzzards and vultures of the bird world. Montgomery, however, in her exploration of a group of scientists who study hyenas in Kenya, brings dignity and understanding to the species.
This time Montgomery does an excellent job of balancing information about the hyenas with the background of the scientists and the details of their work. This is my favorite treatment of the science in this series, because it is called Scientists in the Field. I finally got my 8thgrade science teachers interested in this series. Thankfully I have plenty of the titles, because they plan on using them next year in certain parts of their classes!
Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
June 13, 2018
The Hyena Scientist is a book written with 10-12 year old's in mind. However, I'm sure most adults can get something out of it as well. In this book Montgomery and Bishop take a tour through the Hyena research station in Kenya lead by zoologist Kay Holecamp. The book reads like a travelogue with intersting bits about the spotted hyenas that this group studies, along with a nail-biting episode of floods and getting stuck in mud. There are also short biographical sections for the scientists and assistants that operate this particular research station. The main attraction of this book are the numerous (every single page!) colour photographs of spotted hyenas (fascinating creatures!) and other wildlife. This is a good inspirational and educational book for children.
December 10, 2018
This entry in the Scientists in the Field series looks at the work of Kay Holekamp and her colleagues with hyenas in Kenya. Holekamp has been studying the bebhavior and biology of a pack of hyenas for several years and has changed thinking around the intelligence and bahviors of this oft maligned species. Profiles of her assistants and colleagues tell of their individual paths to working in science are interspersed between descriptions of their work and large full color photographs. The narrative of tracking the animals and the trials and risks of field work is detailed enough to satisfy curious readers. This is another solid entry in a growing series. Recommended.
October 2, 2018
An incredibly in depth look into the lives and work of hyena scientist Kay Holekamp and her team. It’s a highly informative book with a lot of content. It could be overwhelming for young readers when they try to get pat a picture exploration of the text. However, the nitty gritty details of what they do say to say is captivating. I think it’s a great addition to the Scientists in the Field book to give kids a realistic look at what it means to be a scientist, along with insights into how her team got where they are.
January 18, 2019
This is another excellent book in an excellent series! I love everything I've read by Sy Montgomery, and even though this is considered a "kids' book" it doesn't come across that way. Full of fascinating facts about a very misunderstood, intelligent and social animal, and great insights into the daily life of the researchers and students who devote their lives to field study--and what drove them to pursue their career. Great photos by Nic Bishop, too. I usually pass on my books once I've finished them, but this one is a keeper for this former zookeeper!
August 9, 2018
As expected, Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop collaborate for an incredible entry into the Scientists in the Field series. I loved this one for the information about hyenas but also the depth in which they talk about how the research on these animals is done. They always do this, but including ethogram behavioral descriptions and each research assistant's background really lifted this one away from the pack.
July 23, 2018
One of my favorite reads of the summer is THE HYENA SCIENTIST by Sy Montgomery & Nic Bishop. Fascinating look at the misunderstood hyena. The photos were amazing. The book taught me so much about these beautiful animals. I really enjoyed learning about the work and the lives of Dr. Kay Holecamp & her team of field scientists. Great book that I'm looking forward to sharing with my students.
August 7, 2018
Another great book in the Scientist in the Field series. I love learning about the creatures of the world (in this case, the often misunderstood hyena) and the people who study them! These books have plenty of detailed information, in clearly written text. I just can’t say enough good about these books!
August 26, 2018
Sy Montgomery is one of the finest science writers for children’s literature along with Nic Bishop’s excellent photography. I am always excited when I discover one if their collaborations. I learned so much about hyenas and will visit Kay Holekamp’s (and her colleagues) various web sites and blogs to learn more!
September 15, 2018
Reviewed for the Mock Caldecott Awards. This was a fascinating read. It would be a great read for middle graders and young adults, especially those interested in animals and their behaviors. The photographs are beautiful. I enjoyed not only the information regarding the hyenas themselves but also the background stories regarding some of the folks who are currently studying them.
September 19, 2018
Absolutely fantastic!
I have been a huge fan of the Scientists In The Field series, and Sy Montgomery's writing, for years. Reading her take on the study of one of my favorite animals was an absolute pleasure.
Keep 'em coming! I cannot wait to booktalk this fantastic piece of nonfiction.
I have been a huge fan of the Scientists In The Field series, and Sy Montgomery's writing, for years. Reading her take on the study of one of my favorite animals was an absolute pleasure.
Keep 'em coming! I cannot wait to booktalk this fantastic piece of nonfiction.
January 1, 2019
4.5 stars
Scientists in Africa study hyenas, who are often given a bad rap. This book made me want to go to Africa to study hyenas despite the need to stuff a sock in the tent door to keep out the snakes and the threat of floods, hippos, etc. Full color photographs, 2 page spreads on the individuals working/studying there. Absolutely fascinating! Female hyenas are dominant, btw.
Scientists in Africa study hyenas, who are often given a bad rap. This book made me want to go to Africa to study hyenas despite the need to stuff a sock in the tent door to keep out the snakes and the threat of floods, hippos, etc. Full color photographs, 2 page spreads on the individuals working/studying there. Absolutely fascinating! Female hyenas are dominant, btw.
July 24, 2018
This was wonderful! I never knew that hyenas were a matriarchal society! I got to wonder how much that could have afflicted their terrible, mostly undeserved reputation? I found many more facts out but am ending quickly before I lose this review again!
August 20, 2018
Extremely informative and inspiring.
October 7, 2018
4.5 stars
October 15, 2018
interesting new light to hyenas
October 25, 2018
Love this series, I always learn something new!
October 29, 2018
Sy Montgomery is the BEST! Loved the newest in the Scientists in the Field series and learned a few facts that actually made me love Hyena's even more.
November 6, 2018
Gave me a new appreciation of hyenas!
January 12, 2019
So much text on the page bogged it down in places. Photos were excellent.
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November 30, 2019This book is an interesting read because many times we misread Hyenas but they are intelligent mammals. Hyenas are social and playful animals rather than what we are used to seeing in Lion King. It was interesting to know that females are in charge of the other Hyenas. I think this is an informative book for students to read. I would not suggest they read it in one setting because the amount of information being stated is a lot to understand. I think breaking up the book into chapters is helpful for students to understand how Hyenas are intelligent animals. A great teaching point would be too compare and contrast Lion King to how real Hyenas are on our Earth. Students could see how media depicts Hyenas and how Hyenas live their life on Earth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews