When predators catch prey, you’d think they’d get to enjoy their meal in peace. In this video, an otter has its work cut out in trying to keep various scavengers at bay.
Candice Benson submitted this fascinating footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it near Lower Sabie Rest Camp, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
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Otterly amazing sighting
Candice’s video begins with a sighting that few visitors to Kruger get to see. A Cape clawless otter is seen among some rocks in a strongly flowing Sabie River.
South Africa is home to two otter species: the rarely seen spotted-necked otter and the more widespread species seen here.
To Candice’s delight, the otter suddenly lifts its head, showing off a large fish that it has just caught. Otters feed on fish, crabs, shellfish, frogs, and insects.
Subsequently, the otter starts feeding on its large meal, little realising it is about to have some uninvited dinner guests.
Fish eagle arrives
First to arrive is an African fish eagle, which swoops in for a closer look at what’s on the menu. Although highly competent hunters themselves, they are not averse to scavenging when the opportunity arises.
However, in this case, it merely flies by before landing a short distance away. Consequently, the otter continues feeding unperturbed by the intrusion.
As it happens, though, the eagle had good reason not to land too close.
Ravenous reptile
Subsequently, while the otter has its back turned, another intruder emerges, this time from the river. It is a Nile crocodile, also hoping to steal the otter’s prize.
Thankfully, the otter sees the rapidly approaching reptile in time.
Consequently, the otter grabs the fish and scampers away in the nick of time. However, the croc scrambles over the rocks in pursuit, determined to get its share.
As you can see, crocodiles are also opportunistic scavengers, and this one seems particularly intent on spoiling the otter’s day. Adding to the threat, the croc would also kill the otter if it got the chance.
As for the fish eagle, it seems content to sit this one out.
Consequently, it decides to do one more fly-by before deciding it would be better off finding a meal of its own.
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Successful evasion
As for the croc, it wasn’t able to keep up with the otter and lost sight of it when it went behind a large rock shelf.
Accordingly, the otter has successfully evaded not one but two would-be scavengers. Perhaps now it can enjoy its meal in peace.
Happy ending
The otter is spotted again a short while later. Now, it is in the river, but there is no sign of the fish.
It would be a shame if it had managed to evade both gate-crashers, only to have lost its meal in the process.
However, after dipping its head in the water, we’re relieved to see it chewing on a big mouthful of fish. With the excitement all over, both Candice and the otter can relax and enjoy the experience.
