Proteles cristata, also known as the aardwolf, is a species of mammal found in eastern and southern Africa. A few synonyms for the aardwolf include "earth wolf" and "maanhaar jackal" in Afrikaans. Other common names that have been used for the aardwolf include "ant-bear hyena" and "termite-eating hyena". In some areas, the aardwolf is referred to as "suikerkat" or "sugar cat", due to a belief that they exude a sweet scent from their fur. While not technically a hyena, the aardwolf has many physical similarities and is often mistaken for one. Despite their hyena-like appearance and nocturnal habits, aardwolves are gentle creatures that feed mostly on termites.