Size is important in the animal kingdom, where larger predators typically have the greater strength necessary to dominate the smaller ones. But in this case, attitude turned into being far more important than size.
Jessica Endenberg caught this intense face off on camera at the Satara camp in the Kruger National Park, as a curious, and likely hungry, jackal decided to test the defenses of two wildcats, one of which was still only a kitten.
The adult wildcat seemed largely unbothered by the intrusion the entire time, although it would surely have reacted quickly and decisively if it needed to. The kitten, however, found the presence of the jackal absolutely unacceptable, and it made its views known.
Tiny But Brave
From the jackal’s perspective, either of these two wildcats were both on the small side, and would have made a tasty little snack for it to enjoy. Regardless of their size, cats can be ferocious when they need to be, but the jackal probably thought it could get in and out quickly.
The little kitten seemed to have devoted its entire existence at that moment to convincing the jackal that this was not, in fact the case. It was determined that the intruder should understand that if it came close enough it would be attacked by needle-like claws and teeth.
It had its back up, and all of its fur sticking out so much that it looked like something had electrocuted it. With the flood of adrenaline it must have been experiencing, the effect can’t have been too different, a stark contrast to the relatively relaxed adult cat.
Posturing For Survival
While such a tiny cat standing up so resolutely to a much larger predator might look cute, or amusing, this confrontation is actually of incredible importance. Posturing is vital to survival when facing any predator at all, let alone a much larger one.
The kitten’s best chance of survival in this scenario relies on convincing the jackal that it’s just not worth the effort to attack. Even minor injuries can be lethal for predators in the wild, where infections can be common, or losing speed and strength can result in failed hunts.
If a real fight broke out, then it’s likely the adult cat would come to the kitten’s defense, but it might not be able to do so quickly enough to prevent the jackal from killing it.
This means that if the kitten does not posture correctly in this moment, there is an unfortunately high likelihood that it will die. The bigger it can appear the better, and more trouble it can pretend to be to eat, the more likely it will survive the day.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Lightning Fast Deterrent
Despite its youth, the kitten was doing a good enough job that the jackal was clearly reluctant to come too close. It was sniffing around the area, and keeping an eye out for a good opportunity to attack, but it only got too close once.
It didn’t have the option to get too close again, but the kitten was so outraged that the jackal had come closer that it charged forward a little as if to attack it for real. The sudden burst of speed which the kitten summoned finally intimidated the jackal enough to scare it away.
Size matters in the wild, but not as much as sheer temerity in the face of mortal danger. This kitten had a lot of growing to do, but it had already learned a vital lesson about survival.
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.
View this post on Instagram
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!
Be the first to comment on this article!