A wart hog was wallowing in mud when it was ambushed by a lioness, creeping up close. Despite having the advantage, the lion was unable to catch the agile prey.
Wart hogs (Phacochoerus africanus) may have short legs, but they possess an incredible burst of speed. Science has recorded that this species can reach speeds of up to 48 km/h over short distances, a skill very useful when being chased.
A dramatic scene was captured by tourists at Kruger National Park in South Africa, where a wart hog was engrossed in soaking in the mud to cool off and rid itself of ticks, when it was suddenly ambushed by a lion.
However, as the lion approached closer, the wart hog sensed danger and immediately bolted away at great speed. It sprinted at full throttle, running across the riverbed.
Despite the lion having the advantage of position and proximity, it still could not catch up with its agile prey. In the end, the lion could only watch in disappointment as the wart hog escaped.
A wart hog was engrossed in soaking in the mud when it was suddenly ambushed by a lion.
The ability to sprint short distances is the weapon that helps wart hogs survive against many high-speed predators like leopards and lions. Meanwhile, their protruding, curved tusks pose a challenge to hunters looking to take down this species.
They are also the only type of pig adapted to grassland and savanna environments, capable of eating everything from grass, roots, various fruits, tree bark, and mushrooms to insects, eggs, and even carrion.
Typically, wart hogs are very shy and easily flee at the sound of unusual noises. However, if a mother wart hog is leading her piglets, she becomes extremely aggressive to protect her young. Sometimes, a mother wart hog is willing to chase and even injure larger predators.
