Lions are the only social big cats. Their society consists of prides of females that form temporary bonds with males.
While the males do offer protection for the lionesses and their offspring, they tend to throw their weight around when food is involved.
Claudia Griffin filmed just such a dispute and sent her footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it in South Africa’s Pilanesberg National Park.
Watch the video here:
Zooming in on the action
In Claudia’s video, which was filmed at a great distance, the camera settles on a male and female lion. Situated on a ridgeline, we realise that they are fighting over something.
They have caught an unknown prey. In typical male lion fashion, he is trying to take it all for himself.
Although lionesses do most of the hunting, males will often assert their physical dominance and demand the “lion’s share.”
Pause in hostilities
Of course, lionesses are no pushovers. Consequently, after wrestling for a while, the female appears to take control of the kill.
As the male pants in the background, we wonder if he has given up. As it turns out, he is only gathering his strength for another tussle.
Round two
Subsequently, the male resumes his effort to steal the carcass. Still, the lioness holds her own, not letting go for love or money.
While she risks serious injury if the male attacks her directly, she also risks hunger if she surrenders. Thankfully, his jaws are clamped on the carcass, so, for now, she is safe from a possible injury.
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Back-up arrives?
As the pair continue to squabble, a second lioness arrives on the scene. Is she coming to her sister’s aid? Or is she there only for herself?
As she gets closer, the male spots her. Realising the threat to his dominance has just doubled, he rises to meet her.
As he lunges at her, she backs off immediately. However, in the process, the first female sees her chance to run off with the carcass.
However, the male soon realises his mistake, and the pair resume their dispute.
Back for her share
On seeing them preoccupied with one another, the second lioness turns once more towards them. This time around, the male is too preoccupied to notice.
While this is encouraging, the second lioness is nonetheless wary. His previous aggression did not go unnoticed, so she circles the pair while looking for an opening.
However, as she does, she inadvertently catches his eye again. Incensed that she has returned, the male once again lunges at her, causing her too flee.
Unsurprisingly, though, the distraction means the first female now controls the carcass. So, once again, he has to wrestle with her before she runs off.
As you’d imagine, all this effort is beginning to tire the original pair. Perhaps this is exactly what the new arrival was waiting for.
Subsequently, she reappears and, amazingly, manages to squeeze in between the other two…
Now, all three lions have a firm grip on the prey, but none of them has enjoyed so much as a mouthful. Unfortunately, the video ends shortly after, so we don’t know the outcome. Let’s hope they all got their fair share.