The pool provided the hyena with a means of refuge, offering it some kind of protection, since wild dogs are less confident in aquatic confrontations.
Frenzied pack of wild dogs surround hyena
The situation became quite tense as the frenzied pack of wild dogs gathered on the banks by the hyena. The wild dogs initially stood at the water’s edge, yipping in a frenzy, their tails in the air in high-alert mode.
They then started to enter the water, standing in its shallow depths to have a go at the hyena.
Hyenas are notoriously tough under pressure. Even a single one can fend off several dogs if it manages to deliver a crushing bite.
However, the wild dogs’ persistence and pack coordination appeared to overwhelm their solitary opponent. The hyena looked around in distress as the dogs buzzed in unison around it. They took turns lashing out at it, with playful puppy-like leaps.
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The spotted hyena is one of Africa’s most formidable carnivores, weighing between 45 to 80kg and standing about 0,8m at the shoulder, with a body length of up to 1,6m.
They are powerful, muscular animals, with bone-crushing jaws which can deliver the strongest bite force of any mammal relative to size.
They are also highly intelligent, living in complex social groups called clans which can exceed 80 individuals.
However, this one was alone. This made it vulnerable in the presence of so many wild dogs.
Its decision to remain in the water was a smart one. Spotted hyenas are also excellent swimmers. When threatened, they may retreat as this one did to water to deter a larger or more coordinated opponent.
The African wild dog is leaner but incredibly efficient as a pack hunter. Adults weigh 18 to 36kg, with a body length of 75 to 110cm and a shoulder height of about 0,75m. They are built for endurance, able to run at up to 60km/h and maintain speed over several kilometres during hunts.
They live in tightly bonded packs of 2 to 25 individuals, operating with remarkable cooperation and communication. Unlike hyenas, wild dogs rely almost entirely on teamwork.
Wild dogs employ teamwork to intimidate lone hyena
Teamwork was exactly what these wild dogs used to confront the lone hyena.
The hyena was suitably in distress but put up a good fight.
While wild dogs aren’t as keen in the water as hyenas. Still these ones braved the shallow water and nipped at the hyena, which responded with intimidating bites and jaw thrashing.
The hyena might have been caught between a rock and a hard place but it held its own and the wild dogs started to back off.
Hyena manages to hold its ground
The combination of the water and the determined (and very bitey) hyena eventually caused the wild dogs to back off. They decided that the fight wasn’t worth it, and turned to leave the water.
The hyena remained wallowing in the shallow water. It lifted its head up, quite triumphantly, as though to say, ‘Take that!’ as the wild dogs returned to the sandy banks and headed on their way.