Thanks to collective strength, a pack of hyenas makes a dramatic rescue of a member captured by a male lion while distracted by food.
The pack of hyenas turns to attack the lion to save its member. (Video: Latest Sightings)
Australian tourist Maddie Lowe captured footage showcasing the strong family bonds of a pack of hyenas during a safari trip with Margot Lowe and guide Witness Mathebule, also known as De Beer, as reported by Latest Sightings on August 29.
On their second day of safari at Arathusa Safari Lodge, they encountered a pack of hyenas feasting on a carcass. Suddenly, several hyenas halted their meal and became highly alert, sensing something approaching. Before long, a massive male lion charged in. The pack of hyenas scattered in every direction, shrieking in fear. A few hyenas sensed the danger and managed to escape easily. However, those who were engrossed in their meal were nearly caught.
The massive male lion charges in, causing the pack of hyenas to scatter in all directions.
One unfortunate hyena, slower than the rest, was caught by the lion. It struggled against the predator and narrowly escaped the lion’s sharp teeth. The hyena seemed resigned to its fate until its pack rushed back to the rescue. The hyenas began biting the lion’s back and hind legs. The lion attempted to ignore their annoying attacks but was ultimately forced to turn and retaliate. Seizing the moment when the lion was distracted, the trapped hyena quickly made its escape.
Hyenas are considered among the most opportunistic predators on land, capable of killing large animals such as zebras, wildebeests, and buffalo. However, they rarely hunt for themselves, primarily following other predators like lions and leopards to scavenge their kills. Due to their body structure not being well-suited for hunting, hyenas find it challenging to capture or kill prey, relying on other species for sustenance. They are also known to track and take advantage of scavengers like vultures to locate successful hunts.
