Watch the sighting here:
Field guides Robyn Sewell and Ruggiero Barreto sent their footage and account of the amusing encounter to Latest Sightings. They witnessed it while on a game drive at MalaMala Private Game Reserve, South Africa.
Lions located
The pair said after leaving camp at sunrise, they found the Kambula lion pride resting in the dry Mlowathi riverbed. Before long, they noticed one of the male youngsters watching what they — at first — assumed to be a scorpion.
On closer inspection, they realised it was in fact a freshwater crab. Typically nocturnal, seeing the crab active in the daylight was unusual.
Typical predator
A lion’s hunting instincts are stimulated by movement. So, as the little crab scuttled across the sand, the curious cub decided it was time to investigate.
You’re not the only one with instincts, buddy!
No sooner did it stand up than the crab’s instincts also kicked into play. Raising it’s ordinarily formidable pincers, it dared the lion to come closer.
Seeing this, the inexperienced lion made the “wise” decision to err on the side of caution and lay down to ponder its options.
Second opinion
Having watched her brother lose his nerve, one of the young females approached to investigate. However, she too failed to connect with her killer instinct.
The crab meanwhile proceeded to scuttle sidewards, presumably to its burrow in the riverbank.
Let’s ask Mom
Possibly wondering where she had failed as a parent, one of the adult lionesses was next to arrive. Famous last roars as it turned out, as she too stayed a safe distance from the crabby crustacean.
Maybe it’s a job for boys
By now, two of the young males had had enough. With typical bravado, they trotted over to settle the issue once and for all.
Misplaced machismo
As is often the case when boys try to best girls, their machismo proved to be all growl and no bite. As not one but three “future kings” surrounded the crab, it barely missed a step in its homeward journey.
Home safe
Ultimately, despite the supposed odds stacked against it, the little crab made it back to its burrow.
As the pride resumed a more restful posture, we can only guess that there followed an awkward silence among the group. Either that, or they’ll claim a mysterious, hereditary shellfish allergy.
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Freshwater crabs
The majority of crabs found in the Greater Kruger region are freshwater crabs, of the genus Potamonautes. They occur in all water systems and play an important role in the aquatic ecosystems.
The female crabs retain fertilised eggs in a “purse” below the tail, only releasing them into the water when fully formed.
These crabs feed on plant matter, while they are preyed on by various mammals, birds, reptiles and fish.
Hunting senses
As seen in the video, when the lions see movement, their hunting instinct takes over. But that is only one of the senses utilised when searching for prey.
They also have acute hearing, with ears capable of rotating to pinpoint the origin of sounds.
Their sense of smell is also excellent and they will follow scents for miles to find prey.
Additionally, their whiskers enable them to “feel” slight vibrations and navigate in the darkness.
Apparently though, despite this and an arsenal of fangs and claws, some targets are just not worth the risk.