The aardwolf has a similar frame to the hyaena. Its small
teeth are weak and set wide apart. Above the aardwolf's
anus, it secretes a musky fluid from two glands, and applies
a sweet-smelling substance to objects within its home range
as a form of communication with other aardwolfs. When an
aardwolf gets angry, it lets out a loud roar and raises
its long dorsal mane into a crest. Their young are born
in burrows which are usually skillfully enlarged by the
parents. Males help in rearing the young by guarding the
den against jackals, which are probably their greatest natural
enemy.
They are very timid animals, and are primarily nocturnal,
although they may be active during the late afternoon if
termites are available at that time. They often get caught
in the beam of car headlights: many aardwolf are killed
accidentally by cars. Termites are the aardwolf's main dish
and it is guided to them by its sharp hearing and keen nose.
do not drink surface water, as they get all of their water
requirements from termites. They have been known, however,
to drink water during cold spells when termites are not
available.