A pack of hyenas was so focused on eating a hippopotamus carcass that they didn’t notice two male lions approaching to swiftly take them down.
The confrontation between lions and a pack of hyenas.
Jordan Nell, an experienced forestry officer, witnessed the clash between lions and a pack of hyenas while driving through the northern Sabi Sands area of South Africa, as reported by Latest Sightings on August 6. The two male lions belonged to the Mantimahle coalition and emerged from the Manyeleti Game Reserve. Nell’s group followed them closely and monitored their every move. The lions, wandering through the thickets, suddenly lifted their heads upon noticing activity not far away.
Nell followed their gaze and was surprised to see a pack of three hyenas feasting on a hippopotamus carcass. The two male lions quickly sprang into action and approached their prey. They moved so stealthily that the hyenas did not detect them until it was too late. One hyena managed to escape just in time, but the other two were not as fortunate.
(Video: Latest Sightings)
Hyenas typically do not take down healthy hippos; they usually scavenge on rotting carcasses. It is likely that the hippopotamus had died earlier, possibly killed by another predator. However, a sufficiently large pack of hyenas could attack a weakened hippopotamus. The lions promptly killed the two hyenas to claim the meal and were satisfied with their hearty feast.
Lions and hyenas are natural competitors, so lions will seize any opportunity to eliminate hyenas from their territory. Lions are much stronger than hyenas, making it relatively easy for them to kill them.
African lions (Panthera leo) are primarily found in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. They are the only social big cats in the world, living in prides. Lionesses are the main hunters, preying on animals such as antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, and various other species. Male lions are responsible for protecting the territory of the entire pride.
