Famously dubbed the eternal enemies, the rivalry between lions and hyenas is well-documented. As this video shows, their feud continues unabated.
Maureen Jarratt submitted this tense footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it at Marloth Park, on the southern border of South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Watch the video now:
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Not alone
As we join Maureen at the sighting, a lone spotted hyena is drinking from a pool on the banks of the Crocodile River.
On closer inspection, we then realise that the hyena is not alone. In the background, a lioness looks down at her sworn enemy.
Something’s amiss
Realising that she’s watching what could be an epic confrontation, Maureen keeps filming as her breath quickens.
Meanwhile, the hyena looks up. It seems to sense something is amiss, although it doesn’t know what.
Moving into position
All the while, the lioness’s attention remains laser-focused on the hyena. As competing apex predators, both species will seize any opportunity to inflict harm on their rivals.
Then, as Maureen zooms out, we realise that the lioness has company. A second lion pops up from behind a bush, while a third uses the cover of a boulder to stalk closer to the unsuspecting hyena.
As social predators, lions are well-versed in the art of cooperative hunting, using cover and stealth to ambush their intended targets.
Attack launched
As the hyena looks across the river, the lions decide to spring their trap. However, as they begin to run, the hyena hears them coming.
Instantly realising the danger it is in, the hyena turns to run as the lionesses close in. Thankfully, it runs to the left.
With the lioness hot on its heels, the hyena somehow manages to stay ahead. However, a fourth lioness is now running in from upslope.
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Adrenaline-fueled
Despite the lions being capable of a higher top speed, the hyena somehow manages to evade capture.
It is amazing what adrenaline will do for you when you need it most. Additionally, there is one other thing working in the hyenas’ favour.
Speed vs stamina
As the chase continues, we notice that the lionesses are starting to lag behind. As ambush predators, they are designed for short dashes, not protracted chases.
If they don’t catch their prey within four hundred metres, hunts generally fail. Hyenas, on the other hand, are built for endurance.
Consequently, it isn’t long before two of the lions give up the chase. Meanwhile, up ahead, the hyena continues to widen the gap with its pursuers.
Seconds later, a third lioness throws in the towel. Up ahead, the hyena maintains its speed.
Perhaps motivated by how close it came, the remaining lioness somehow manages to keep on running. But she is fighting a losing battle.
As the video concludes, the hyena is showing no sign of slowing down. Why would it? You can just imagine the tales it will tell when it gets back to the clan.