When hyenas tried to steal food from African wild dogs, the pack united to savagely defend their prize. Against a united force, there was only going to be one outcome.
Sean Gilbert submitted this action-packed footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed the action while on a game drive in South Africa’s Greater Kruger.
Pandemonium
As we join Sean at the sighting, we jump right into the action. Down in a gulley, a war has broken out.
It started when a pair of spotted hyenas tried to steal prey from a pack of African wild dogs. However, in their haste, the hyenas failed to account for their numerical disadvantage.
Ten v Two
Amid the chaos, there seem to be at least ten wild dogs. We recognise their highly social predators for the unity of their packs.
Equally, we know they are highly intelligent. As such, they split into two groups to deal with the two hyenas individually.
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Forced off the kill
In the foreground, three of the dogs harass the hyena. At their feet, we can see the dead impala.
Amazingly, they manage to drive the hyena away. In desperation, the hyena runs toward its clan mate.
However, this does little to alleviate the beating the pair are taking.
While two dogs start feeding, the rest of the pack focuses their wrath on the hyenas. Consequently, when one of the scavengers sees a gap, it runs away, leaving its compatriot to the dogs.
Mercilessly mobbed
Consequently, several dogs mercilessly mob the remaining hyena. In desperation, it tries backing into a bush to protect its hindquarters.
Sensing victory, some of the dogs return to the carcass to feed. By doing so, they inadvertently relieve pressure from the hyena.
However, instead of fleeing, it runs straight towards the impala.
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Tag-team tactics
As it does, it meets another dog and tries to bite it. Seeing this, the feeding dogs get ready to come to their member’s aid.
Fortunately, the dog escapes being bitten. However, as the hyena spins to try again, it exposes its rump to the jaws of the dogs.
And this is when the cohesion of the pack truly shows. As the hyena spins to defend itself, other dogs rush in from behind.
By working together, none of the dogs are injured. The same cannot be said for the hyena, whose hindquarters are bitten repeatedly.
Out of options
Subsequently, the entire pack turn their attention to driving off the hyena. Feeding time will have to wait until it has been dealt with.
Little by little, the pack forces it away from the kill. As they do, they continue to nip at the poor hyena.
Eventually, the hyena has no choice but to run. With their foe in full retreat, the pack can finally return to finish their meal.
