After chasing an impala to a dead end, a hyena hesitated to finish the job. To its dismay, another predator arrived, claiming the kill for itself.
Maureen Jarratt submitted this astonishing footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it earlier this week from Marloth Park, on the southern boundary of South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Watch the video now:
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The chase is on
We jump straight into the action as Maureen’s camera tracks a fleeing impala.
Seconds later, a spotted hyena comes into view. While many consider hyenas scavengers, they are also one of Africa’s most efficient predators.
Desperate to escape, the young impala jinks around a small shrub and heads towards the Crocodile River.
Consequently, the hyena loses sight of its quarry as the terrified antelope drops onto a small sandbar at the river’s edge.
There you are!
Initially, the hyena struggles to find the impala but eventually relocates it lying on the sandbank. However, it is reluctant to follow.
Hyenas are smart animals, and, realising the impala is cornered, it mulls its options while the petrified impala awaits its fate.
He who hesitates…
However, while the hyena is plotting its next move, a new actor arrives on the scene. Having watched developments from its watery lair, a Nile crocodile glides closer.
Evolved over millions of years, crocs are opportunistic ambush hunters, adept at seizing the moment as it arises. Meanwhile, the distracted impala’s attention stays focused on the hyena, allowing the croc to approach undetected.
Between a rock and a croc
By the time the poor impala sees the croc rising from the shallows, it is too late to do anything. Paralysed by fear, it is literally stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Meanwhile, the hyena can only watch as the crocodile emerges just inches from its intended meal.
As the massive reptile rises, it is impossible not to feel sorry for the defenceless antelope.
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No space for sentimentality
However, Nature must take its course, no matter how brutal. Each of these species has a role to play in the ecosystem, and there is no space for sentimentality.
All of which doesn’t make it any easier to watch the croc’s jaws open to engulf the impala.
Life goes on
Perhaps our only solace is in the likelihood that the sheer bite force of the croc was enough to kill the antelope instantly.
Even the hyena seems taken aback by the way the croc effortlessly grabs the impala, hoists it high, and snaps its massive head as it turns back to the water.
As a second hyena arrives, it quickly realises it is too late to share its clanmates’ supposed meal. Meanwhile, the croc thrashes the limp body, softening it up for consumption.
As the video ends, the croc makes short work of the antelope. Soon, the water will be calm, and life in Kruger will continue unabated.