After chasing an impala into a dam, these wild dogs used teamwork to capture it. However, when the scavengers arrived, it took the action to the next level.
Almero Klingenberg submitted this dramatic footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while visiting South Africa’s Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
The pack assembles
As Almero’s video begins, we see a large pack of African wild dogs, one of the continent’s most endangered, yet efficient predators.
The pack is made up of adults and their precious pups. With so many mouths to feed, they must hunt at least twice a day.
The chase is on
Consequently, when the video cuts to a new scene, we see the dogs in pursuit of an impala ewe as it runs past Almero’s vehicle.
As the camera follows, the impala runs towards a nearby dam, hoping to find refuge from the relentless predators.
As it entered the water, the dogs initially didn’t follow. However, as they gathered on the banks, their hunger soon overrode their hesitation.
Consequently, a few dogs swam after the antelope, while others waited for the inevitable in the shallows.
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Twittering excitement
Before too long, the exhausted impala swam into the shallows and was quickly surrounded by the pack. In typical fashion, the dogs’ frantic twittering signalled their excitement.
However, it also attracted the attention of some unwanted passersby.
Scavengers arrive
At first, caught up in killing the impala, the dogs didn’t notice when a spotted hyena joined their mob.
However, when they did, their priorities changed from feeding to defending both their kill and the pups.
Accordingly, the selfless adults created a defensive perimeter, allowing the pups to feed while they fended off an increasing number of hyenas drawn by the ruckus.
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Reinforcements arrive
Initially, the hyenas were heavily outnumbered. But, their continuing whooping soon saw other members of the clan arrive to investigate.
While the adults did their best to keep the scavengers at bay, the pups ate as quickly as possible. Since wild dogs frequently lose kills to larger predators, time was of the essence.
Defences spread thin
As more hyenas arrived, the dogs had their work cut out, having to defend on numerous fronts.
As such, it was just a matter of time before the hyenas spotted a weakness to exploit. And, when it did materialise, a couple of hyenas were quick to rush in and steal the carcass from the fleeing pups.
Realising their mistake, the adult dogs ran after the hyenas as they pulled the impala into the water.
However, they soon realised that the risks involved were too high, and accepted their loss.
Consequently, as the video ends, we see the hyenas enjoying the spoils of their audacious raid. Meanwhile, in the background, the pack reassembled, ready to look for more prey in the waning light.
