When predators and prey interact, each turns to their respective strengths. In this video, an impala ram does its best to repel a wild dog’s attempts to bring it down single-handedly.
Ruan Stoltz submitted this tense footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa.
At a standstill
As we join the action in Rian’s video, we find an impala ram standing face-to-face. Presumably, the dog had chased the antelope to a standstill, as is their habit.
African wild dogs are endurance predators that use a combination of teamwork and stamina to run down their prey.
All alone
Unusually, both animals are alone. Ordinarily, impala find safety in large herds; wild dogs rely on their pack mates to hunt efficiently.
Somehow, however, the pair have become separated from their kin and, as such, they must rely on their own resources to determine the outcome.
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Offence and defence
Lacking the recurved claws and power of the big cats, the dog’s only weapons are its teeth, its endurance, and its intelligence.
As for the impala, it possesses a pair of needle-sharp horns, along with agility and street-smarts of its own.
Dance of death
Thus, the stage is set for the dance of death. Holding its ground, the ram keeps the dog at bay with the threat of its horns.
In turn, the dog scampers around the antelope, hoping to outflank it so that it can dart in and bite its quarry.
Attracting attention
As it does, it twitters excitedly. Although it may not realise it, these calls have ominous implications for the impala.
Besides highlighting the dog’s excitement, the vocalisations might attract other members of the pack. Together, they will seal the impala’s fate should they arrive.
On the other hand, they might also attract other larger predators, such as lions or hyenas, with implications for both the dog and the antelope.
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So far, so good
Be that as it may, for the time being, the ram manages to hold its own. Each of the dog’s manoeuvres is successfully countered.
At this rate, the ram is using less energy and may soon recover sufficiently to run off. However, that would mean exposing its hindquarters.
One false move
The outcome of these affairs is often determined by one false move. And, despite its valiant stand, it is the impala that blunders.
When the dog gets too close, the ram sees an opportunity to gore it with its horns. In a blur, it charges forward.
Just when it looks like it will impale the dog, it leaps clear of the horns. In the process, its jaws snap shut on the impala’s neck.
Consequently, the exhausted antelope collapses, and the pair is obscured by long grass.
Just then, one of Rian’s companions says they cannot watch, and the video ends abruptly. Safe to say, we’re all spared the grisly finale.