Ever wondered what the fiercest animal in Africa is? In this video, two contenders vie for the title, leaving the excited tourists with more questions than answers.
Mark Kaplan submitted this interesting footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed the action on the S30 road in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Watch the video now:
Leopard encounters honey badgers
As we join Mark at the sighting, we see distant movement in the Sabie riverbed. According to him, he and his friends had earlier spotted a leopard, which then went down to the river.
He went on to explain that as the cat was crossing the sand, it encountered not one, but two honey badgers. As they watched, they witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime interaction with a surprising outcome.
Didn’t get the memo
Now, many regard leopards as the ultimate predator, able to take down prey twice their size. With powerful bodies and lightning-quick reflexes, few animals stand a chance against them.
However, as the video shows, apparently, honey badgers didn’t get the memo. Instead of running when the leopard approaches them, the pair turns, daring the leopard to come closer.
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Attitude trumps size
Despite their obvious size disadvantage, the two badgers more than make up for it with their tenacious attitude. Chattering wildly, the pair rush at the bewildered leopard.
Unused to being confronted so aggressively, it is all the cat can do to retreat to keep itself clear of the badgers’ snapping jaws.
Such behaviour is far from unusual for honey badgers. They have been recorded taking on everything, from leopards and lions to buffalo, and even elephants.
And, as the leopard finds out for himself, once a badger is in a bad mood, it doesn’t stop until you back down. Accordingly, after dancing around them for an extended period, it is the notorious cat that surrenders.
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Tails tell the tale
Having seen off the threat, the rivals part ways. Even as they depart, the badgers hold their tails high, signalling their excited state.
The leopard’s tail, however, droops low, perhaps reflecting its mood after the encounter. That said, it has made the sensible choice.
As a solitary predator, the leopard simply cannot afford to risk an injury against such determined foes. Better for it to slink into cover and wait for an easier target.
Honey badger defences
A fearless attitude is just one of a honey badger’s defences. When confronted, they make a rattling sound and release a noxious odour to deter challengers.
Additionally, they have a powerful bite and long, sharp claws, both of which can cause serious injuries.
Finally, they have very loose and thick skin. This makes them very resilient to injury and able to bite back no matter where they are bitten.
