Spotted hyenas are usually portrayed negatively in popular culture, although they are regarded positively by researchers who study them. Hyenas have a poor reputation because they are believed to be scavengers, sexually ambiguous, cowardly and dangerous. African people have a similarly negative attitude toward hyenas, though they tend to emphasize characteristics such as gluttony and comical stupidity. Actually, lions are more likely to be scavengers of hyena kills than vice versa. With greater knowledge and familiarity the reputation of hyenas may improve, as it has among the researchers who know them best.