Spotted hyenas are widely regarded as the ultimate scavengers, bravely confronting the biggest predators in search of a free meal. In this video, a moment of complacency nearly sees one become a meal itself.
Mayneth Sondlane submitted this tense, but amusing video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it on the S113 road, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Watch the video here:
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Morning stroll
As Mayneth’s video begins, we see a lone spotted hyena ambling across a riverbed towards the camera. The animal appears relaxed, unaware of the danger ahead.
Spotted hyenas are social creatures, living in large, structured clans led by a dominant female. Although they are social, hyenas often roam alone in search of food.
What was that?!?!
Subsequently, the hyena comes to a sudden stop. Something has caught its attention on the left side of the road.
Hyenas have very acute senses, alerting them to the presence of both prey and carrion. And, as is the case here, danger.
Consequently, the frightened hyena’s legs give way beneath it as it realises that it is in mortal danger. Given that hyenas routinely confront danger, we know it must be serious.
I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat
A split-second later, the threat reveals itself as it bursts from the long grass next to the road. It is a full-grown lioness that had been lying in ambush as the unwitting hyena approached.
Fortunately for the hyena, it manages to gather its legs beneath itself just in time. With the lioness now just metres away, it takes off in the opposite direction.
Race for survival
The hyena is in serious trouble. While they can reach an impressive 60–65 km/h (37–40 mph), they are no match for the lion’s top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Nevertheless, spurred by a massive rush of adrenaline, the hyena throws caution to the wind and runs towards a safari vehicle parked behind it.
Meanwhile, the lion is gaining with every stride. However, unlike the terrified hyena, it seems to be wary of the vehicle up ahead.
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Saving grace
And this reticence seems to be the hyena’s saving grace. While it bolts directly alongside the vehicle, the lion makes a wider arc around it.
Accordingly, the scavenger is able to increase the gap between itself and the lion. Regardless, it does not slow down as it bolts across the dry riverbed.
By this stage, the lioness is lagging far behind. Although capable of impressive bursts of speed, lions lack the stamina to keep it up for long.
Turn and taunt
As the hyena runs, it looks over its shoulder, only to find that the lion is slowing down.
Consequently, it also slows down. Then, when the lion stops chasing, it too comes to a halt.
Amazingly, it then turns and walks a few steps towards the out-of-breath cat. Unlike lions, hyenas have incredible stamina, which they use to run down their prey.
It is almost as if the hyena is taunting the lion, daring it to try chasing it again. However, when the lioness starts padding towards it, the hyena decides not to try its luck and turns to leave.
However, the lion had had enough and lay down in the soft, cool riverbed. Seeing the game was over, the hyena walked off, probably grateful to have escaped with its life.
Meanwhile, Manyeth logged on to the Latest Sightings WhatsApp group to share the interaction with wildlife-lovers across the world in real-time.