Ryan West submitted his video of a rare interaction to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while visiting the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
Approach with caution
As we join the action in Ryan’s video, we are met with an unusual sight. A spotted hyena is approaching something on the ground, but at first glance, it might not be obvious what it is.
On close inspection, we can see the tan hide and leg of an impala. However, coiled around its head is something seldom seen.
As it turns out, it is Africa’s largest snake: an African rock python. Presumably, it had earlier ambushed the impala and is in the process of killing it by asphyxiation.
Head or tail
Initially, it is difficult to determine whether we are looking at the head or tail end of the snake. However, as it senses the hyena’s presence, its head pops into view near the impala’s head.
The python may well have been preparing to swallow the impala, a process that always begins with the head first.
Watch where you put that snout!
As the snake partially uncoils itself, it sees the hyena. Surprisingly, instead of trying to get away from the intruder, the massive snake turns to face the hyena.
Backing off
This unexpected response surprises the hyena. Wary of this unfamiliar opponent, the hyena backs into a nearby bush as the snake gets closer.
This is most likely more a case of the hyena being cautious than afraid. As it happens, pythons can inflict a nasty bite, although they are not venomous.
Seeing the hyena retreat somewhat, the python then assumed a classic defensive posture by coiling its body as if ready to strike. Sensibly, the hyena held back while considering another way to tackle this slippery dilemma.
A different approach
With that avenue blocked by the aggressive python, the hyena looked for a different way to approach the problem. After extricating itself from the bush, it circled the python at a safe distance.
The snake’s response to this manoeuvring was typical of any snake that finds itself in danger. Instead of continuing to confront the hyena, it began slithering in the direction of the bush that the hyena had just vacated.
In general, snakes will always try to avoid threats, preferring to retreat to a safe space at the first opportunity. It is only when they don’t have an obvious escape option that they tend to bite.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Your table is ready
In no time at all, the python had disentangled itself from the impala and slipped silently into the dense vegetation. With that, the freshly killed impala was the hyenas’ for the taking.
As if not quite believing its luck, the hyena was still cautious as it approached the dead impala. Tentatively, it sniffed at the antelope’s belly.
Then, it looked around to make sure no one else was queuing up to share the meal…
Finally, satisfied that the python was gone and no other opportunistic scavengers were waiting around, the lucky hyena lowered its head to feed.
Ugly but smart
Unfortunately, many people still view hyenas as ugly, smelly scavengers. In truth, though, they are one of the most intelligent and versatile predators in Africa. Equally adept at hunting or scavenging, they have fantastic cognitive abilities rivalling those of chimpanzees.
Hyperactive Baby Hippo Scares Everyone In The Waterhole
This amusing video was sent to Latest Sightings by Isa Carter. She filmed it at a water hole in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
I’m bored!
It’s often said that an “only child” can be a challenge, especially for friends and neighbours. And, judging by the events in this video, the same is true in the animal kingdom.
As Isa’s video begins, we see a lone hippo calf standing on the banks of its water hole. In the background, a herd of zebras await their turn to come down for a drink.
Amusing itself
It would seem that it has no one to socialise with. Nevertheless, as it runs around, it appears quite content to burn off the excess energy of youth on it’s own.
After charging around on the water’s edge for a while, it decides to return to the water, seemingly delighted at the big splash it makes.
For a chubby calf, it is surprisingly light-footed. As it takes to the water, it continues to amuse Isa and her companions with its antics. Quite what the rest of the onlookers think is open to debate.
Its mother, seen in the foreground above, seems content to watch the calf at play. Like any harried mum, she is probably enjoying a moment alone.
Thirsty zebras
Meanwhile, when the rambunctious calf took to the water, the zebras headed down to the water to slake their thirst. However, when the calf notices them, it cocks its ears in interest.
Potential playmates?
Consequently, it would seem that the calf saw the new arrivals as potential playmates. Subsequently, the over-enthusiastic calf set off towards the zebras with all the joys of youth.
Unfortunately for the little hippo, his barrelling approach was a bit much for the skittish zebras. In response, they turned and trotted away from the water’s edge.
By the time he emerged from the water, the zebras had retreated to the nearby treeline. Evidently, the hippos’ behaviour was a bit much when all they wanted was a quiet drink.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Abundant energy
Nonetheless, their disappearance did little to dampen the calf’s enthusiasm. He had energy to spare and was going to burn it off one way or the other. Even if it meant playing with elephant dung…
As Isa’s video draws to an end, the little hippo, undeterred, continued to charge up and down on the lakeshore.
And, despite his protestations of innocent fun, the zebras in the background remained unwilling to join in the fun.
Playful practice
As amusing as the young hippo’s behaviour is, it actually serves an important part of its early development. Playtime for young animals is the time when they will learn the various skills necessary for long-term survival.
Hippos are highly territorial creatures, particularly in their aquatic homes. As such, while the calf may not be doing so intentionally, it is employing various behaviours that in later life will help it assert its territorial dominance.
These include charging towards intruders, patrolling the domain, and gaping jaw displays. Of course, at this stage in its life, it is all in the spirit of play.
However, later in life, these skills may mean the difference between life and death. Whatever the outcome, for us as observers, they’re both fascinating and fun to observe.
Be the first to comment on this article!