Even apex predators face danger in the wild, it is a constant companion in the wild. These animals usually fight the most fiercely over territories or food sources, although violent confrontations are rare.
This footage, taken in Kenya by Craig, shows the intense conflicts that take place when these incredible predators clash in earnest. It appeared that a large animal had recently died near deep water, drawing both lions and a crocodile.
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The carcass looked relatively untouched and appeared to have once been an elephant. What killed it is unknown, as neither lions nor crocodiles typically attempt to hunt prey of that size because of how difficult such a hunt would be.
Occasionally, elephant calves will find themselves the targets of a hunt, but even then, the rest of the herd will defend them fiercely. In this footage, it’s the lions that ferociously defend their prize from the intruding crocodile, as they appear to have found the carcass first.
The Gang’s All Here
The cautious cats had posted a guard who kept a close eye on the encroaching crocodile, but on both occasions when the confrontation became physical, they waited until they had the numbers advantage.
Like other pack hunters, lions know that they have a huge advantage in numbers, so attacking the lone reptile head-on just didn’t make sense. This pride made sure they were ganging up on the crocodile three against one to ensure the odds were in their favor.
Their first attack, while brutal, was inconclusive, with the croc standing its ground against three assailants without being intimidated into retreat. That elephant carcass must have looked tasty.
A Battle In Earnest
The crocodile’s only true weapon was its mouth, and although it had a formidable bite, it couldn’t face three directions at once. When the lions came for the second time, they focused their attack on the crocodile’s flanks and rear.
The thrashing tail of the crocodile was enough to make the lions pause, but it couldn’t cause any damage in return as their sharp teeth and claws raked the reptile’s undefended hide. The cats were agile attackers, leaping over the croc’s body to keep up the assault from multiple angles.
Their second confrontation had higher stakes, and the cats forced the crocodile into an unwilling retreat. With their numbers, the lions could overwhelm their opponent and secure the victory.
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Back To The Depths
Like the lions, crocodiles are masters of ambushing their prey, but unlike the felines, these deadly reptiles ambush from the water, where they have the advantage.
Outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and desperate to escape the teeth and claws of the cats, this croc hurried back to the deeper water where it would be better able to escape.
Having forced their opponent into retreat, the lions returned leisurely to their prize, the huge elephant carcass that they now owned completely.
Watching these incredible predators, both at the peak of their environment, as they clashed was an awesome experience, and Craig was lucky to get it all on camera.
