When facing prey, predators make quick instinctive decisions to bring them down, but a fight against other predators requires some more careful thinking.
Painted Dog TV captured the footage of these hyenas taking the ultimate risk against a pride of lions, and sent the footage in to Latest Sightings. It was a tense moment as the two groups faced off against one another.
The Face Off
Like most confrontations between predators, this began with a tense face off where the opponents sized each other up. An ideal scenario for the lions would be to win the fight and force the hyenas out without ever needing to touch them.
Both animals are hunters, which means their own speed and strength is vital for their survival. Without the ability to chase and bring down prey they don’t eat, and can’t survive.
One of the biggest risks to them is injuries which might slow them down or weaken them. Not only does it affect their ability to hunt but it also makes them vulnerable to other predators that might be looking for an easy meal.
More Incredible Sightings
If you want to see more animal encounters like this high stakes contest between these lions and hyenas, then make sure you sign up to our WhatsApp group below and always stay up to date with sightings as they come in!
High Stakes
Three brave hyenas answered the challenge of the three lions. Each of them was individually smaller, and with equal numbers the lions would have had a clear advantage.
The hyenas weren’t silly, they knew that they would be on the losing side, but they still had to put in an appearance. With their den nearby this was a very significant defense for them.
These hyenas might have been guarding cubs, or pregnant members of their clan, or simply unwilling to give up their home to the aggressive pride of lions.
The Other Side Of The Story
For the lion pride, the presence of the hyenas could be a significant problem. If the hyena clan had entered into the lion’s territory to set up their den, then they were introducing themselves as competitors for resources.
As predators of similar size, both lions and hyenas hunt the same prey, which means the arrival of the hyenas could actually signify an existential threat to the lions.
Every prey animal that the hyenas bring down or eat is one that the lions miss out on, potentially making it difficult for them to find food, and this doesn’t include the direct threat.
The Best Of Enemies
While adult lions and hyenas might fight each other if they have no other choice, when it comes to each others cubs, these are not just competitors for resources, but also easy sources of food.
Hyenas might stealthily swipe a young lion that’s not under the protection of an adult in the same way that a lion wouldn’t say no to snacking on a hyena cub.
All of which means these animals like to have a healthy distance between each other, to make sure they keep themselves safe, and their sources of food. If that distance isn’t there, then they might have to make it happen.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Over And Out
The pride of lions were leaning into intimidation tactics, charging the three hyenas as they stood against them. A charging adult lion is enough to make anything move in a hurry to get out of its way.
The hyenas broke and ran, regrouping slightly further off, but it looked like the lions were about to win the fight anyway. The hyenas were in a worse position and they knew it, but the ultimate outcome remains unknown.