While the day may have started with all the promises of ‘Hakuna Matata’ for the lovable warthog, it ended tragically when the pack of wild dogs invaded its peaceful moment.
Watch The Sighting:
Rudi explains how the ordeal had begun. As a private guide, he had heard that a pack of wild dogs was resting in front of a nearby waterhole for the day.
Passionate about wild dogs and observing their behaviour, he suggested to his guests that they spend the afternoon with the pack, hoping that they would get active and head out to hunt.
Warthog Ambushed By Wild Dogs In The Cool Of The Day
The day became cooler, and the wild dogs started to become more active. As their luck would have it, two warthogs soon approached the waterhole for a drink of water.
In response, the jittery wild dogs became silent, flattening their ears to the ground in anticipation of the warthogs’ imminent approach.
As incredibly social animals, African wild dogs can live in packs of up to 60 members. The pack is led by a male and female breeding pair. All of the other members assist with hunting and help to take care of the wild dog pups.
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“I could see one of the warthogs was much smaller and anticipated that the wild dogs would go after him as it would be an easier hunt for them,” says Rudi. “We sat quietly and watched the warthogs get closer and closer.”
Wading by the edge of the water, the warthogs became aware of danger in the area. However, it was too late. The wild dogs moved as a well-oiled unit, closing in on the younger of the warthogs.
The warthog ran deeper into the water, hoping for protection. The wild dogs didn’t seem to mind getting wet and went in to grab the warthog.
Surrounded and with nowhere to run, the warthog eventually succumbed to their ambush.
Wild Dogs Pull Warthog Out Of The Water
As a group, they grabbed hold of the animal and pulled it out of the water.
The scene became graphic and heartbreaking. The frenzy of the pack of wild dogs was definitely something that commanded respect.
Rudi explained how the adult dogs handed the warthog over to the younger dogs to practice their hunting skills.
Warthog Succumbs To Brutal Attack
It was a terrifying moment where nature’s raw brutality was on full display. The warthog succumbed, and the pack then fed together.
“Such a sighting can be very hard to watch, especially for those who are sensitive to kills,” Rudi said.
“As a guide, I am lucky to spend a lot of time in nature and have experienced these sightings before. Loving wild dogs, I spend quality time with packs when I can.”
As a guide, knowing how brutal wild dogs hunt can be, he always prepares his guests and explains to them the hunt, and that the kill can be hard to watch.
While some predators make deliberate moves to end a prey’s life quickly, such as severing its throat area, wild dogs have been known to feed on their prey while the animal is still alive.