After Africa’s most efficient large predators made a kill, Africa’s most notorious scavengers moved in to steal their prize. In the ensuing chaos, one hyena found itself surrounded by some very angry dogs.
Andrew Aveley sent this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at the Biyamithi Bridge on the S25 in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Watch the video here:
Bush telegraph
Andrew told Latest Sightings that he was photographing a hippo in the river, when he heard a commotion nearby. He quickly travelled towards the sounds and found that a pack of African wild dogs had killed an impala.
Then, as the pack fed, several spotted hyenas arrived, determined to steal the carcass for themselves.
On alert
We join the action in the image above, as the pack searches for scraps in the long grass. On the right, one of the dogs looks off to the right, seemingly concerned.
Sensing something might be amiss, Andrew panned to the right, where several dogs now surrounded a thicket. However, he could not see what was bothering them.
Danger lurks
Subsequently, a very distinctive shape emerged. A spotted hyena had heard the dogs’ excited yelping and, sensing an opportunity, had decided to investigate.
Aside from the kill, there were also several young pups in the pack. As such, the adult dogs went on high alert, keeping a close eye on the dangerous scavenger.
As the adults formed a protective line, the younger dogs continued to scour the long grass for any remains. Even so, the hungry hyena boldly walked into their midst, determined to steal whatever it could.
In a tight spot
Subsequently, it entered a small thicket. While we can’t see exactly what happened, it seems it got a bit too close to one of the younger dogs.
Fiercely protective of their young, the adults closed in on the intruder. Consequently, we hear the agitated sounds of the hyena as the dogs start to harass it.
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Hyena in a hurry
Seconds later, one of the dogs comes running from the thicket with the hyena close behind…
As the pursued dog runs to safety, the rest of the pack close in on the hyena…
As it flees, the dogs nip at its exposed hindquarters, delivering sharp bites to their frightened foe. With its rump exposed, all it can do is assume a sitting position while lashing out with its powerful jaws.
Wisely, the dogs stay out of reach, baying their rival with ferocity of their own. Consequently, the hyena decides that its had enough of the torment.
Sent packing
With several dogs hot on its heels, it turns to run back where it came from. With the hyena sent packing, the adult dogs once again establish a protective cordon in case the hyena returns.
As the video draws to its conclusion, the young dogs continue looking for scraps, seemingly taking for granted the protective instincts of their elders.
With wild dogs being one of Africa’s most endangered large carnivores, it’s good to know they’re looking out for one another.