Turns out, animals like hyenas—often seen as pests or nuisances—actually play a surprising role in keeping humans healthy. A new study highlights how these top scavengers help control disease by cleaning up carcasses that could otherwise spread pathogens. But here’s the catch: their numbers are dropping, and that could leave us more vulnerable to outbreaks.

Turns out, animals like hyenas that clean up dead carcasses aren’t just nature’s garbage crew—they might actually be protecting us from diseases. A new study highlights how these scavengers help keep ecosystems (and us) healthy by preventing the spread of pathogens. But here’s the problem: their numbers are dropping, and that could leave humans more vulnerable to illnesses we’d rather avoid.

Editor’s Note: We don’t often think about hyenas or vultures as our allies, but they play a silent, critical role in breaking down dead animals that could otherwise become breeding grounds for diseases. If scavengers disappear, we might see more outbreaks spilling over into human populations. It’s a weird but important reminder that even the creatures we overlook are part of our safety net.