When an African wild dog chased a female nyala to a dam, both the hunter and the hunted had to make some tough choices. Benji Solms, a guide at Serondella, filmed the footage, which was posted on Latest Sightings on August 8, 2023.
Enter stage left
This pulsating encounter begins when a lone wild dog comes onto the road in front of a game-drive vehicle. As it does, it turns to face an nyala ewe which we assume it had been pursuing.
Watch the sighting:
Other plans
Although the dog tries to block it, the nyala sidesteps it, apparently intent on getting to the nearby dam. But, as it passes, the dog bites it on the hind leg.
Nearly there
With the dog holding on grimly, the nyala drags it down the embankment to the water’s edge.
At this stage, the nyala is bleating as it desperately tries to free itself from the dog’s grip. But, the tenacious wild dog continues to hold on.
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Tug of war
Perhaps understanding that getting into the water presents a chance at freedom, the nyala inches ever closer. The wild dog, on the other hand, does everything in its power to stop that from happening.
A see-saw battle
Although the nyala is just metres from a possible escape, the dog refuses to let go. Tugging incessantly, it manages to pull the antelope away from the water.
Still holding the nyala by the back leg, the dog suddenly releases its grip, only to seize it again by the back of the neck.
A costly mistake
While its intentions may have been good, the decision to re-position its bite proves to be a mistake. Because now, the nyala once again has use of all four legs.
The nyala begins to drag the dog back towards the water, using its superior weight and better leverage.
Slowly but surely
Furthermore, by using the dam’s muddy bottom to anchor itself, the nyala is gradually able to back into the water–dragging the dog with it. Clearly not pleased with this development, the dog growls in anger.
In deep water
As the nyala backs up into deeper water the scales tip in its favour. At one point, the dog’s head is briefly submerged and as this happens, the nyala lunges, freeing itself at last from the dog’s grip.
Free at last
The nyala quickly makes for deeper water, while the defeated dog returns to the shore.
Not giving up easily
Having invested so much energy, the dog is not ready to give up just yet. Weighing up its options it circles the dam hoping to get close to the antelope.
Meanwhile, the antelope, which is not a strong swimmer has found itself in deep water and is beginning to tire.
Twist of fate
It is then that an unlikely saviour arrives. At the far end of the dam, we see a lioness has arrived; possibly attracted by the earlier commotion.
When the wild dog sees the lion, it makes a frustrated bark and leaves the scene. Apparently, it had had enough drama for one day.
Oblivious
Moments later, the lion walks past Benji and his guests, seemingly unaware of how its arrival had shaped the dog and the nyala’s destiny.
According to Benji, the lion followed after the wild dog, ensuring the nyala could escape, essentially unharmed.
Dogs in deep water
Also known as painted wolves, African wild dogs are one of Africa’s most endangered predators. Fewer than 7000 live in the wild, of which only 1400 are of breeding age.
Once considered vermin, they were ruthlessly persecuted. Also, their need for vast territories has been curtailed by human expansion and habitat loss.