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While both are capable hunters in their own right, a lot of the food that they eat is scavenged from others. So, what happens when they’re competing for the same food source?
Johan Rothmann submitted this interesting video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it on the banks of the Letaba River, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Scavengers assemble
Johan’s video begins with a sighting of various scavengers assembled. A Nile crocodile feeds on a carcass, while four hyenas look on. Nearby, two marabou storks and a hooded vulture wait to pick up any scraps.
While the preceding circumstances are unclear, it seems most likely that the hyenas had killed the unknown prey. Then, sensing a free meal, the crocodile arrived, forcing them off their prize.
Heads you lose
Understandably, the hyenas resent that the croc stole their meal. However, they’re not quite sure what to do about it.
Judging by the way they keep their distance from the croc’s head, it is clear that they’re wary of the massive reptile. But then, one of them decides to try a different approach.
A nip on the tip
Carefully, the hyena stalks up to the croc’s tail. Clearly not sure what will happen, it nips the tip of the croc’s tail.
The effect on the croc is minimal. It simply sweeps its heavy tail away, while continuing to feed.
Let me try
While the clan had not hoped for this reaction, seeing the croc react inspires one of the others to try a bolder move.
Consequently, it circles the croc, staying well clear of its powerful jaws. Of course, it also has powerful jaws.
Subsequently, it too approaches the croc’s tail. Then, unlike its predecessor, siezes it in its jaws… and pulls.
Using its muscular neck and shoulder muscles, it lifts the tail clear of the ground. Will this be enough to see the croc relinquish the carcass?
No, once again, the croc swipes its tail, releasing it from the hyena’s grip. Meanwhile, sensing they may be onto something, the clan members raise their tails, signalling excitement.
Sensitive dragon
However, it would seem that the croc felt the last bite. A crocodile’s entire body is covered in sensitive nerve endings. Accordingly, as the hyena moves in, it swipes its tail defensively.
Crocs this size are incredibly powerful creatures. As such, if it managed to hit the hyena, it could result in a serious injury. That is something no wild animal can afford in an unforgiving environment.
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If at first you don’t succeed…
Be that as it may, the hyena is determined to have another go. Moments later, it lifts the tail once again.
This time around, it really puts its back into it, tugging with all its might. However, the croc is just too heavy and it easily pulls its tail clear once again.
Additionally, the croc’s body is covered in thick scales, which provide considerable protection. Even from the powerful jaws of a spotted hyena.
The definition of insanity
Lacking any other plan, the hyena tries repeatedly to succeed where it has failed before. However, short of pulling its tail free each time, the croc continues feeding.
By the time the video concludes, the clan is no closer to reclaiming their meal. Perhaps it’s time to do some stealing of their own.