Hyenas have an unfortunate reputation in the wild for being unsavory thieves and scavengers. They absolutely are these things, but no more so than any other predators they compete with.
Importantly, hyenas are just as ready to hunt their own prey as other animals like lions or wild dogs, and this sighting from the Sabi Sands Game Reserve shows them doing exactly that.
Jonathan McCormick caught this moment on camera as two hyenas came to a busy waterhole frequented by lions and rhinos, and found that food was on the menu as well as a nice drink.
On The Edge Of The Water
The two hyenas were standing on one bank of the waterhole, and something had clearly piqued their interest. They were both standing at alert and sniffing the air.
Exactly where the kudu was at this point was unclear. It hadn’t run afoul of the lion pride that Jonathan had caught on camera earlier, but it appeared that it had, unfortunately, alerted the hyenas to its presence.
Suddenly In Danger
The kudu, it was revealed, was nearby, standing near a shack on another bank of the waterhole. No doubt the antelope had arrived at the water’s edge expecting a nice, refreshing drink of its own.
Now, however, it found itself the object of a hunt as the two hyenas rapidly circled the water, zeroing in on their prey. They weren’t being particularly stealthy on their approach, but the kudu didn’t have much time to flee.
No Escape
Presumably as an attempt to escape the hunting hyenas, the kudu found itself actually in the waterhole, wading out into the water which did appear to be quite deep.
Unfortunately for the antelope, this water just wasn’t deep enough to keep it safe. Even if the water had been deeper, hyenas are more than capable of swimming when they need to, and one had started to sink its teeth into the kudu from behind.
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Amphibious Assault
Partially submerged, the kudu wasn’t able to put up a particularly strong fight, but regardless of this, a single hyena didn’t quite have the strength to drag it out of the water. The second hyena waded out to join the attack, and soon both of them were biting deep into the kudu.
Using their incredibly strong jaws to get a firm grip on the struggling kudu, the two hyenas began dragging their prey out of the waterhole and back onto dry land. On the banks they would only have to fight the injured kudu, rather than struggling against the water as well.
Victory On The Land
Already weakened by its ordeal in the water, and still with no real hope of escape, the kudu couldn’t stop itself from being dragged wholly out of the water and onto the bank.
Its struggle had been intense, but it wasn’t going to last much longer. The hyenas killed the kudu on the bank, and began consuming their large meal. It had taken them a lot of effort.
Water is essential for animal life, making waterholes excellent spots to make exciting sightings such as this one. Many predators hunt in these areas due to the relative abundance of prey.
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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