One can never accuse wild dogs of lacking in enthusiasm. These are some of the bushveld’s busiest, chattiest and most zealous animals!
Large elephant attracts wild dogs’ attention
In this special sighting, an energetic pack of wild dogs chased down the road towards an especially large elephant, which wasn’t pleased by their presence.
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They ran out into the road in the numbers, running in unison towards the elephant.
The elephant stood in the road; its sheer size blocking the width of the road. The wild dogs were tiny in comparison, as they swarmed towards it.
Wild dogs demonstrate pack unity
The wild dogs seemed unbothered by their comparatively small size. They a check on one another, communicating with each other as wild dogs are so adept at doing.
Wild dogs are highly successful predators, boasting hunting success rates of around 70 to 85 percent. This is far higher than lions or leopards. Their success comes from teamwork, endurance and exceptional communication rather than brute strength.
Every member of the pack has a role, and decisions are often made collectively through body language, vocalisations and subtle movements.
These same communication skills become vital during unexpected encounters, like this one.
Extra-zealous wild dog leaps onto road to run with others
In an extra special moment, one of the wild dogs leapt from the bushveld and onto the road as though to say, “Hey guys, wait for me!”
After an impressive leap and display of zeal, the said wild dog joined the rest of the pack, which had their focus set on the elephant. They continued to enter the road, maintaining a brisk, energetic pace.
The elephant at this stage walked nonchalantly down the road; unaware of the frenzy of attention he had garnered.
Elephant turns to face wild dogs
It was only when he turned around to confront the wild dogs that his colossal size became evident. He might have been outnumbered, but they were ‘outsized’.
A pack of African wild dogs can cover vast distances in a single day as they patrol their territory. They constantly search for prey, avoiding larger predators.
However, even these highly coordinated hunters sometimes encounter an obstacle which demands immediate attention. This was one such moment, when they came face to face with an elephant!
For the elephant, the appearance of several fast-moving carnivores was more than likely as surprising for him as it was for the dogs. Although wild dogs pose virtually no threat to healthy adult elephants, sudden movement can trigger curiosity or defensive behaviour.
Elephants have excellent eyesight at close range, an extraordinary sense of smell and acute hearing.
Within moments, the elephant had likely identified exactly who has entered its space. However, with the elephant standing his ground and significantly bigger than the pack members, the wild dogs were not about to take any risks.
This beautiful encounter was just another reminder of the dynamic interplay between species in the reserve.
Dramatic encounters at your fingertips
It’s always interesting to watch two species come face to face. The bushveld abounds with such dramatic encounters. Click here to join our Kruger National Park updates group to view the best sightings.
