Despite quickly fleeing upon encountering three lions, the warthog was captured right at the entrance of its burrow, dragged out, and brought down.
A pride of lions confronts a warthog. (Video: Latest Sightings)
A group of tourists, including Juan Pinto, followed tracks along a dry riverbed and discovered three lions strolling in the Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa, according to a report by Latest Sightings on May 20. The pride unexpectedly came across a warthog, which spotted the predators and quickly retreated to its burrow next to an abandoned termite mound.
When threatened, warthogs will run into their burrows for shelter, backing into the tunnels they dig themselves. These burrows have small entrances, making it difficult for larger predators to enter. Warthogs wait until the danger has passed before venturing out again.
“The lions chased after and managed to reach the burrow just as the warthog was trying to enter. They grabbed the warthog by the head and began to struggle. Three lions worked together, hoping to pull the large animal out of its burrow.” Pinto recounted.
“The struggle lasted only a few minutes. The once peaceful and quiet bush became chaotic with the warthog’s desperate cries. Fighting for its life, it tried to escape from the lions and burrow deeper to evade them.” Pinto added.
Three lions pull a warthog out of its burrow.
Unfortunately for the warthog, the lions succeeded in dragging it out. Within seconds, the predators had killed the animal. The sudden cries ceased, and the bush quickly returned to its original state of tranquility, Jinto described.
African lions (Panthera leo) are the only big cats that live in social groups. Male lions defend the territory of the pride, while females are the primary hunters. Lions are incredibly powerful, with strong jaws, sharp teeth, and robust bodies. They can overpower larger prey through their hunting skills. Their prey includes antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, and many other species.
