As Africa’s largest predators, you’d expect lions to subdue most prey. As this footage shows, however, sometimes that is easier said than done.
Jayden Schoultz submitted this amazing footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at South Africa’s Kariega Game Reserve.
Watch the video now:
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Face-off in the flowers
The opening scene of Jayden’s video is deceptively pretty. Lying in a meadow of flowers, a lion and a bushpig face each other just metres apart.
As the pig watches the lion, the predator’s apparent indifference is surprising. However, bushpigs have a fearsome reputation, so the lioness is wise to bide her time.
Tactical retreat
Consequently, it is no surprise when the bushpig decides to break the stalemate. As it charges towards the lion, she makes a tactical retreat.
Even so, she is far from giving up. She probably knows that bushpigs are tenacious in defence, so she is content to wait for an opportunity to pounce.
Five vs one
In the next scene, we realise that the lioness is not alone. In fact, she is accompanied by her four sons. At 18 months, they are on the brink of adulthood.
However, they too show a healthy respect for the brave bushpig.
Surrounded but unfazed
Realising that it would be foolish to run, the pig stands its ground, even as the lions surround it. True to its nature, it occasionally charges at the lions.
Meanwhile, the lions take turns trying to get within striking distance. Still, the nimble pig keeps them at bay.
Consequently, as the encounter drags on, the lions snarl in frustration.
Meanwhile, the pig maintains its calm, seemingly believing it is in control of the situation.
Justified reputation
As many a maimed hunter can attest, lions are not the only ones with big teeth. As the pig lunges, we get a glimpse of its razor-sharp lower tusks.
One false move from the lions could see them severely wounded. For predators, serious injuries can be a death sentence.
And, as the pig once again charges to within inches of a lion, it is clear that it has every intention of using its tusks to further deter its tormentors. And it very nearly does.
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Playtime is over
But the lions are far from defeated. After being kept at bay for several minutes, one of them decides that it’s time to end this game of cat and mouse.
When the pig turns its back once too often, one of the lions seizes its exposed hindquarters. Unable to free itself, it is all but helpless as two of the young males close in.
Squealing in protest, the frothing pig is dragged to the ground. As brave as it had been, its odds of survival against five lions were always questionable.
Mute victory
Consequently, while the lions wait for their victim to die, their victory seems muted. It almost looks like they regret having to kill their obstinate opponent.
However, their survival is also at stake. In nature, there is little room for sentimentality.
