When a large lizard stumbled upon the remains of a zebra, it may have thought it was its lucky day. However, another scavenger was determined to keep the remains for themself.
Nicola Marneweck submitted this amusing footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it while visiting South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
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Return to the scene of the crime
According to Nicola, after previously discovering an intact zebra carcass, she returned to the scene the next day. She arrived to find a very full spotted hyena, having obviously enjoyed a massive feast.
Subsequently, an unlikely scavenger arrived. Evidently having detected the scent of decay, a Nile monitor approached, hoping for a free meal.
Nile, or water monitors, are the largest lizard species in Africa, reaching up to 2.4 metres in length. They normally feed on aquatic species, small mammals, and eggs.
Hey! That’s mine!
However, on seeing the lizard approaching its prize, the rotund hyena moved in to assert its rights to the remains.
Little did it realise that the monitor lizard intended to claim the remains for itself. Consequently, when it got too close, the lizard lashed its heavy tail towards it.
Despite the huge difference in size, the aggressive move from the lizard had the desired effect.
Dinner for two?
Consequently, the hyena made the wise decision to position the carcass between itself and the whip-cracking reptile.
At first, it looked like the pair might feed together peacefully. However, it soon became apparent that the hyena was not in a sharing mood.
Consequently, it dragged the carcass a short distance away. Would that be enough to deter the trespasser?
The lizard was not happy after the hyena literally pulled its meal from its mouth. But really, what could he do against a much bigger adversary?
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Stop watching me!
As for the hyena, it seemed uncomfortable with the lizard monitoring its every bite. Consequently, it picked up the remains and walked off.
At that, it seemed the interaction would come to an end. However, having had a taste of the rank flesh, the lizard had other plans.
As the hyena walked off, the monitor kept a close watch.
Not to be outdone
Subsequently, having dragged the carcass about twenty metres away, the hyena started feeding again. No sooner had it done so than the lizard arrived.
By now, it seems the reptile was determined not to be intimidated. Showing no fear, it tucked in, much to the hyena’s astonishment.
Then, when the hyena tried to join the feast, the monitor again lashed its tail in warning.
This time, it was the lizard that would not share. Each time the hyena tried to eat, it risked the lizard’s lashing tail.
Frustrated at the behaviour of the rude intruder, the hyena once again picked up the whole carcass.
This time, however, instead of moving off a short distance, the hyena kept going. As a result, the video ends by showing the lizard with nothing to show for all its bravado.
All of which goes to show that if you arrive uninvited, don’t forget your manners.