When visiting neighbours for a meal, one should practice good manners. However, in this footage, the slightest infraction tested a lion’s tolerance.
Rosa Swart submitted this tense footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
A peculiar sight
As we join Rosa at the sighting, we encounter a peculiar sight. As a lioness feeds on a buffalo on a dry riverbed, two Nile crocodiles rest just metres away.
We assume that lions killed the buffalo, given that the carcass is not near water. Presumably, the crocs then arrived, intent on scoring a free meal.
Surprising tolerance
Surprisingly, neither the lion nor the crocodiles appear to be bothered by the other’s presence. As competing predators, their mutual tolerance is remarkable.
It may well be that the crocs had fed while the lion was absent. Subsequently, the lioness must have found them there when she returned and decided to continue feeding regardless.
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Movement triggers reaction
While the crocs lay motionless, the lion continued feeding, completely unfazed. However, when the croc closest to it moved its head slightly, the dynamic changed.
Whether or not the lion even recognised the motionless crocs as animals, we’ll never know. What is clear is that the moment one moved, it was perceived as a threat.
Tempers fray
Consequently, the lioness’s attitude towards the crocs took a dramatic turn when it moved again. This time, she lunged towards the croc.
As she did, the crocodile raised its head defensively. But this only enraged the lion further.
As a result, she swiped her massive paw at the armour-plated reptile and slapped it near its tail.
Of course, by now the crocodile was getting pretty agitated itself.
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Strike & counterstrike
So, the moment the lion touched it, it retaliated by lunging towards the cat, snapping its massive jaws in warning.
Meanwhile, the second croc was also becoming agitated by the ruckus nearby. Consequently, it too raised its head in a gesture meant to intimidate the lioness.
Whether satisfied or humbled, the lion decided to continue feeding instead of pushing the issue.
Enough is enough
As she tucked back in, the smaller of the two crocs looked decidedly ill at ease.
Consequently, when the lioness stood for better leverage on the carcass, it decided that enough was enough and began moving away.
As it did so, we see that a third crocodile had patiently been waiting its turn to feed all along.
However, perhaps having just witnessed the lion’s aggressive attitude, it wisely chose to keep its distance.
As Rosa’s video ends, the lion continues feeding in relative peace. For now, her brave stand has kept the scavengers at bay.
