Spotted hyenas are among the bushveld’s most misunderstood predators.
They are frequently described as scavengers, however, they are also highly capable hunters and obtain a large proportion of their food by killing prey themselves.
Kudu visits waterhole for relaxing refreshment
This kudu had gone down to the waterhole for a drink of water.
However, he had not anticipated that a hyena would be there. The hyena had ventured to the waters for the same reason.
The kudu waded through the water’s depths, however, the hyena was soon pursuing it. Being in the water meant the kudu’s efforts to retreat were slowed down.
Hyena bites at kudu with determination
At first, the hyena appeared to be more of a pest than anything. It bit at the kudu’s hind quartres.
However, it soon became clear that the stealthy predator meant business.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
The spotted hyena the largest of the three living hyena species. Adults have a distinctive sloping appearance because their front legs are longer than their hind legs, while their powerful neck and shoulders are built for carrying and pulling apart prey.
Females are generally larger and more dominant than males, and spotted hyenas live in complex social groups known as clans.
This hyena, however, did not have its clan behind it. Lone hyenas can sometimes hunt alone, particularly when an opportunity presents itself. For this hyena, the kudu’s presence in the water was perceived as an opportunity.
Hyena pulls at kudu in vicious attack
The hyena continued to bite at the kudu, pulling it down towards the water. The kudu started to lose its footing as the determined hyena continued to drag it down, using everything in its power to hold on to the animal.
Attacking a kudu is no small feat
It’s evident from just looking at a kudu that a kudu is no small animal.
Kudu are among Africa’s most recognisable antelope. The species is particularly famous for the magnificent spiral horns carried by mature males, which can reach impressive lengths.
This kudu had an impressive set of horns, however, with the water around it and having been caught by surprise, it failed to effectively use its horns to ward off the hyena’s attack.
Despite their size, kudu are not invulnerable. They rely heavily on their speed, agility, hearing and ability to disappear into thick vegetation when threatened. The water immobilised the kudu and prevented it from using these essential life-saving skills.
A startled kudu can make a powerful escape, but its options become more limited when it enters a confined or slippery environment. Waterholes create precisely this kind of situation.
Male kudu succumbs to hyena’s onslaught
The poor kudu eventually succumbed to the hyena’s onslaught. This was an exceptionally rare sighting and one which demonstrated the sheer power inherent in one of the bushveld’s most misunderstood predators.
View more rare sightings from your device
A hyena pulling down a male kudu is an exceptionally rare sighting. We will keep you updated with the latest rare sightings through our WhatsApp group. Click here to join.
