Watch the video here:
Deon Kelbrick submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at Nkorho Bush Lodge in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.
Waiting for scraps
As we join the action in Deon’s video, we see a lone spotted hyena lying at the base of a marula tree.
Meanwhile, a few metres above its head, a leopard makes its way down the same trunk.
Considering their respective behaviours, we can conclude the following:-
- The leopard has hoisted its kill up the tree.
- The hyena has been waiting below for any scraps that might fall.
Stalemate
As the leopard reaches a fork in the trunk, it pauses to weigh up its options. Despite being a fearsome predator itself, it is wary of the waiting hyena.
For its part, the hyena looks completely at ease, nonchalantly looking up at the spotted cat.
That said, the last thing either of these creatures needs is to risk injury in a fight. To do so would hamper their ability to find food, leading to a prolonged and painful death.
Warning issued
Subsequently, the leopard becomes noticeably agitated. Frustrated that the hyena is in its way, it issues a warning snarl, hoping to chase it off.
However, the net effect of its warning on the hyena is exactly zero. Adding insult to injury, the scavenger is not even watching the leopard.
Stymied
In fact, it is so unfazed that it subsequently puts its head down, as if to sleep. As a result, the leopard seems even more perplexed than before.
Not wanting to risk a fight, it looks back up the tree as if considering returning to its kill.
Of course, we can’t tell why it wants to descend, but the most likely reason is to find water.
Slowly does it
Ultimately, the leopard decides that it must take its chances below. With the hyena below showing no interest, the cat begins inching down the trunk.
Then, with the hyena still looking away, the leopard starts angling its body away from its nemesis.
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Leaping to freedom
Then, as momentum and gravity take effect, the agile predator commits to its escape plan. In one swift movement, it leaps from the tree, being sure to put as much space between it and the hyena as it can.
As it falls to the ground, the hyena detects movement in its peripheral vision. Nevertheless, it remains steadfastly disinterested in the fleeing cat. Clearly, it is only interested in the carcass hanging up above.
Escape made good
As it lands on the ground, the leopard wastes no time in making good its escape plan. No sooner does it land than it begins a headlong sprint away from the scene.
However, judging by the hyena’s continued nonchalance, it is energy that might better have been conserved for an actual emergency.
As his video nears its conclusion, the predator is last seen rushing past Deon’s safari vehicle. However, having managed to escape, we’re left with a lingering question.
What is the leopard going to do if it decides to come back for a second helping?