This rare encounter saw the crocodile striking out at the lion. The crocodile was confident enough to lash out at the large predator, as the carcass lay in the water and this was familiar territory to him. On land he might have not been as bold.
Hippo carcass attracts meat-eaters
Both lions and crocodiles are powerful and opportunistic animals. The large dead hippo provided a massive, protein-rich prize worth fighting for.
It was unclear what had caused the hippo to die. It lay as a mountainous rock in the water, and at first glance appeared to be just this, a rock.
However, while the human eye might have initially passed it by, its scent attracted meat-eaters to the vicinity.
Crocodile arrives to feed off dead hippo
A crocodile could be seen in the water near to the hippo’s head. The crocodile was possibly feasting on the underside of the hippo. This, however, was hidden from view by the murky water.
The croc wasn’t the only predator which the carcass had attracted. A large male lion soon arrived on the scene. He was prepared to wade into the water to eat from the hippo.
Lions will generally attempt to feed if they come across hippo carcasses in or near to the water. However, doing so near or in the water puts them at risk.
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Crocs are highly territorial over carrion in water and will aggressively defend it. They may lunge out of the water with surprising speed to scare off intruders. Their powerful jaws can cause serious injury, even to a lion.
This lion didn’t seem concerned about the risks involved as he entered the water for a feed. He even licked his lips. This was a big hippo.
Lion gets a terrible surprise
However, he had possibly counted his luck too soon. In a moment, the sneaky croc jutted out from the water, and lashed out at the lion. The crocodile had been there all along and wasn’t about to relinquish its feast, or share it with another predator.
Lions are not easily intimidated. However, this male lion was alone in the water and his pride wasn’t around… for the moment. This meant he didn’t have the numbers to give him the upper hand.
Taken by surprise, he retreated momentarily to the water’s edge.
It appeared the crocodile had won and scared off the lone lion.
Pair of lions approach carcass
However, it soon became evident that the lion wasn’t alone. He had another big male lion with him. The two lions now approached the carcass.
The first lion showed less bravado this time. He had possibly been taught a lesson in caution by the territorial croc.
The pair of lions now stood together by the carcass, ready to feast on a meal of hippo meat. This time, the first lion didn’t go completely into the water. Instead, he used the hippo’s carcass as a platform while he fed. He definitely had learned his lesson!