Mobbing without an obvious benefit (IMAGE) Michigan State University Caption Three spotted hyenas try to encircle a lioness, who is running away toward tall grass, kicking up a cloud of dust. In the absence of obvious benefits, hyenas will also form mobs when the risk of mobbing is lower, the Michigan State University team discovered. For example, groups with only female lions — which are smaller and less dangerous to hyenas than male lions — were more likely to be mobbed. Credit Brittany Gunther Usage Restrictions None License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.