Watch the sighting here:
Clinton Delport filmed the tense interaction and sent his account to Latest Sightings. He filmed it on a game drive near the Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa Gate.
Approaching threat
Clinton said he was watching young hyenas and their minder interact at their den when a pack of 17 wild dogs approached. Sensing imminent drama, he picked up his camera to film the event unfolding.
Baby-sitter
The lone adult hyena had been appointed the pups’ baby-sitter for the day. As the dogs approached, it showed that it was well up to the assigned task.
Without a moment’s hesitation, it rose to meet the intruders.
Numerical advantage
At first the dogs appeared confident in their numerical advantage and united approach. For its part, the hyena lowered its head, bared its teeth and raised its tail, signalling that it was not to be messed with.
With that a stand-off ensued. While the dogs had the numbers, the hyena was larger and stronger. However, the hyena was motivated by its duty to protect the pups; one of which came to offer moral support.
Testing the boundaries
Collectively, the dogs cautiously approached the hyena to within a few metres. In turn, the hyena moved protectively over the cub, determined to stand its ground.
Counter-offensive
Next, when one of the dogs inadvertently separated from the rest of the pack, the two hyenas quickly went after the isolated individual.
However, in doing so, they exposed their rear flank to the rest of the pack, forcing them to abort their counter-offensive manoeuvre.
Emboldened by the hyenas’ retreat, the dogs again went on the defensive. For a moment the cub was exposed, and one of the dogs dashed in to give it a sharp nip on the rump.
Stakes raised
Until this point, only one pup had been visible. But, as the commotion ensued, another two pups would emerge to see what was going on.
Delport said that at times he was quite concerned for the wellbeing of the youngsters. As the encounter progressed, however, he felt this was more a show of force on behalf of the dogs, than a concerted attack.
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Brave pup
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and perhaps this is what drove one of the pups to single-handedly advance on the wild dogs. Whatever its motivation, it’s gesture soon fell flat when the dogs rounded on it, sending it scurrying back to its siblings.
Point made
Having made their point and concluded that taking on the baby-sitter wasn’t worth the risk, the wild dogs suddenly turned and departed.
Clinton said as the dogs moved off, the hyenas soon settled down, comforted by the presence of their brave protector.
Parallel predators
Hyenas and wild dogs have several similarities. Both are apex predators that live in large groups. They both exhibit remarkable social cohesion, collectively sharing responsibilities and resources.
Hyena society is strictly matriarchal, with dominance often passed on to her female offspring. On the other hand, wild dogs have respective male and female hierarchies.
As this video shows, both are intelligent and courageous animals, well worth spending time with when encountered on safari.