This incredible moment showed the dynamic interaction between two of the most respected species of the bushveld.
Wild dogs play alongside the road
A pack of wild dogs played alongside the road in this footage submitted to us by Michael Botes from Mala Mala Game Reserve. For wild dogs it can be said that the strength is in the pack. This is because pack members share incredible bonds.
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These pack members demonstrated their unity through some playful vocalisations, and through jovial leaps over and around each other. They appeared as playful puppies alongside the road, even though in reality wild dogs are feared hunters of the bushveld.
A moment of uninterrupted bliss
In this moment, enjoying each other’s company was the order of the day. The pack members bonded through some rough and tumble, while game viewers looked on.
Pack members lie on the road
When fatigue set in, some of the wild dogs settled alongside the sand road. They remained on high alert… and it was just as well… a lone rhino was in the road just a little ahead.
He was a hefty fellow and his size spanned the width of the road. He was still a little in the distance and so the wild dogs didn’t seem too concerned.
Some of them continued to play in the grass alongside the road. They continued to ‘yip’ to one another and it was clear they shared strong bonds of affection.
Rhino moves towards dogs with annoyance
However, the rhino seemed to become increasingly annoyed by their presence. He turned to look towards them, revealing two impressive horns. From his appearance, he seemed well on in years. The wild dogs didn’t intimidate him. He, on the other hand, was the bully in this situation.
He started to walk towards them, and didn’t even need to charge for them to get to their feet and start to run out of the way. These wild dogs weren’t taking any chance on him picking up his pace.
Wild dogs scatter, leaving ‘rhino bully’ alone in the road
One or two of the braver among the dogs did linger around. However, the rhino lowered his head and at just the suggestion of a charge, they scattered.
The carefree dogs of just moments earlier were now nowhere in sight. The rhino stood quite triumphantly in the road, brandishing his horns like weapons and standing his ground. He had his colossal size to thank for the wild dogs’ quick retreat.
The rhinoceros is one of the largest land mammals on earth. Adult rhinos can weigh from around 800kg to over 2 300kg, depending on the species. They have massive barrel-shaped bodies, thick skin, and powerful legs built to carry their enormous weight.
The larger of the species can stand nearly 2m tall at the shoulder and measure over 4m long. That’s pretty impressive! Despite their huge size, rhinos can run surprisingly fast when threatened. These wild dogs weren’t taking any chances!
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