Watch the sighting here:
Yusuf Hargovan witnessed the aftermath of this collision and sent his video and account of the incident to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at Transport Dam, between Skukuza and Lower Sabie Camps in the Kruger National Park.
Cheetahs Appear
Yusuf said he had heard a report of three cheetahs resting at the dam. Hoping to see them, he and his family initially thought they’d missed the rare spotted cats.
Yusuf said, “We initially struggled to see them, but then everything changed, and they all stood up and started walking towards a group of impalas. In an instant, the chase began… the impalas ran into the thicket and we thought that was it.”
Driving off, they were shocked to see a cheetah chasing the impala towards the road. Then, the unthinkable happened when an impala ram collided with the side of the vehicle behind them.
Knocked Senseless
In the video, the impala ram is writhing on the ground next to an SUV. Presumably concussed, the poor antelope could not get to its feet.
Moments later, the cheetah arrived. Whether out of breath or skittish, the cheetah paused a few metres from the stricken impala.
Cautious Approach
After a short while, the cheetah tentatively approached. Cheetahs frequently lose their prey to other predators, so their extra vigilance was expected.
Even though the impala was immobilised, the cheetah was in no rush, taking its time to observe the surroundings for possible opportunists.
Taking An Interest
Having determined there were no apparent threats, the cheetah turned his attention to the prone impala.
Approaching from behind, he moved to take the impala by its throat. Cheetahs typically sever the windpipe and arteries of their prey, quickly dispatching them before dragging them into the shade.
Still Kicking
At this point, the impala had lain motionless for some time. However, when the cheetah took it by the throat, it sprang back to life.
Kicking frantically in the air, the unfortunate impala fought to free itself.
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No Match
Dazed and immobile, the impala was no match for the efficient power of the big cat. In moments, it subdued the weakening impala.
Finally, the cheetah dragged the impala off the road and into the shade under a bush. When the impala died, the cheetah began to feed, starting at the fleshy hindquarters, as they always do.
Yusuf said that the other two cheetahs joined the feast a short while later.
Necessary Evil
Undoubtedly, the presence of vehicles in the vicinity affected the outcome of this predation. No doubt, the owner of the vehicle that the impala ran into got the fright of his life.
Thankfully, none of the occupants were hurt in this fluke occurrence.
Of course, tourists are vital to the park’s viability, both as an enterprise and a conservation project.
While traffic accidents involving wildlife are bound to happen, the risk can be mitigated by driving slowly and being aware of your surroundings at all times. Remember that in Kruger (and other national parks), at all times, the animals have the right of way.
In this instance, the cheetah got an easy meal. However, in accidents where the animal is injured or killed, the incident must be reported to the park authorities.
In Kruger National Park, the emergency call centre number is 013 735 0197.