This tidbit of information came from my Google Plus friend Mary Zeman. She sent me this article that explains how bacteria left behind by one hyena can be picked up by other hyenas. And from this article: “Other hyenas that sample these leavings can sniff a wealth of information, including the animal’s sex, social status, willingness to mate and more. ”
The question is does this form of primitive (or advanced) social media among hyenas also carry over into other animal species (including Basset Hounds like Mary owns). And you thought your dog just liked to smell other dogs butts.