Reliable age estimation of spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) has proved frustrating. Kruuk (1972) distinguished between five tooth-wear classes using the third mandibular premolar (PM3), and extrapolated these to absolute ages (years) by assuming a constant annual mortality rate for the construction of life tables. Lindeque & Skinner (1984) enlarged on this approach and defined seven age classes using size frequency analysis of the occlusal surface of PM3.