Colin Pretorius submitted the rare sighting to Latest Sightings, having watched the poor impala make its way across the sand of a riverbed, straight to where the lioness was waiting for it.
Lone impala walks away from river
The lone impala had just been for a drink by the waters. Separated from its herd, it was vulnerable as it journeyed away from the shore, towards denser bush.
While Colin was aware there was a lioness in the vicinity, the impala could not see the lioness because an outcrop of rocks with foliage hid the predator from view.
For this reason, the impala continued to wander across the sand, straight towards the lioness which now moved towards it.
Rare viewpoint reveals lion’s presence
Colin had something of a panoramic view of the setting, and so the approaching trouble was evident. However, sometimes the most heartbreaking part about watching a sighting unfold, is not being able to intervene.
When a hunt is on, or even a kill being made, you can only observe from your car and let nature takes its course.
Rocks shield lioness from view
Both lioness and impala were now by the rocky outcrop. The impala stood one one side, and the lioness at the other, still hidden from view.
The impala had made the lonely journey thus far, and remained unaware of its vulnerable position.
Unable to get past the barrier of dense foliage and rocks, the impala veered off to the side, to make a new path up towards the bush in the distance.
This was when the lioness chose to attack. She launched with unexpected fury and caught the impala by surprise.
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Lioness launches stealth attack
The attack was fast and furious. Using sheer force, the lioness threw the impala to the ground. Within a few moments, only dust remained as the lioness crouched over the buck.
The stealth predator hadn’t needed to stalk the impala at all. Rather, the impala had walked straight to her, and she had been given a quick and easy meal.
Lionesses are responsible for most of the hunting within a pride. Rather than chasing prey over long distances, they prefer to ambush animals from close range, using vegetation, termite mounds, or dry riverbeds as cover.
By allowing prey to come to them, they conserve energy and dramatically increase their chances of success. Every metre the prey closes on its own reduces the distance the lioness must sprint.
Lionesses often hunt in prides, with lions very much being team players. However, this lioness had done the deed alone.
But then, so too was the impala alone. Without the protection of its herd and the necessary ‘warning signals’ from herd members, the impala had blindly walked into a trap.
Colin watched the entire ordeal unfold, and the stark reminder that rivers, while a source of life, often provide the setting for some of nature’s cruelest moments.
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A hunt is one of the most sought-after sighting experiences. Hunts are when game viewers get to see the raw power inherent in the animals of the wild. Click here to stay updated with the latest animal kills.