A Catch No One Expected
Charmaine Botha was out on safari one day when she came across an unusual sight. Out of the shimmering surface of a small body of water, emerged a spotted hyena with a catfish clutched tightly between its teeth!
Captivated by the hyena’s odd behaviour, Charmaine knew she had to capture the moment. She pulled out her camera just as the hyena began to wander back into the bush with its prey.
The hyena’s stride was steady, casual even, as if hauling fish from the water were an everyday occurrence. Although its prey was massive, the hyena didn’t seem to struggle as it hauled the limp fish away.
Scavenger or Skilled Opportunist?
Hyenas are best known for their reputation as scavengers, often seen circling the kills of lions or leopards. But that image doesn’t tell the full story.
In reality, spotted hyenas are among Africa’s most versatile predators. They are skilled hunters, capable of chasing down wildebeest, impala, and even young buffalo when working in coordinated clans.
Their intelligence and adaptability enable them to capitalize on whatever opportunities the environment provides. In this rare case, the opportunity happened to come from the water in the shape of a juicy catfish.
A Rare Behaviour
While hyenas are not known for fishing, there have been scattered reports of them feeding on aquatic animals during times of drought or scarcity. When water levels drop, fish can become stranded in shallow pools, making them an easy, if unconventional, meal.
It’s possible that in this case, the hyena spotted a struggling fish close to the surface and seized the opportunity without hesitation. In a world where survival depends on flexibility and quick thinking, this kind of behaviour shows just how resourceful hyenas can be.
A Diet Without Boundaries
The diet of a spotted hyena is among the most diverse in the animal kingdom. They consume nearly every part of their prey, bones, hooves, and all, thanks to their incredibly strong jaws and powerful digestive system.
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Beyond large mammals, they’re known to eat birds, reptiles, insects, and even fruit on occasion. Fish, however, are an unusual addition to their menu, making this sighting an especially fascinating glimpse into their opportunistic nature.
Nature’s Endless Surprises
This brief encounter, though lasting only a few seconds, reminds us of one of nature’s great truths: the wild never runs out of surprises. Even animals we think we know inside and out can reveal new sides of themselves.
Whether this hyena was driven by hunger, curiosity, or sheer luck, it demonstrated the hallmark trait that defines its species: resourcefulness. Even Africa’s most seasoned predators are always learning new tricks.
As Charmaine’s camera captured the hyena fading back into the bush, fish still clamped in its jaws, one can’t help but wonder: was this a one-time catch or the start of a clever new foraging technique? Whatever the case, it was a powerful example of how adaptability can be the key to survival.