In the wild, many animals face a constant competition for resources such as a space and food. A lot of larger predators hunt the same prey animals, which means they themselves often come into conflict.
Andrew Aveley caught one such conflict on the Biyamiti Bridge, on the S25 road in the Kruger National Park. His footage captures what happens when predators collide.
It appeared that a pack of wild dogs had made a kill, but there was something else that was eyeing the carcass for a potential meal, and that brave hyena decided it was worth an attempt at running the gauntlet for a full belly.
Under Supervision
Hyenas are famous for their scavenging and stealing behavior, despite the fact that almost all predators would attempt stealing another’s kill if they believed they had a chance to pull it off.
Wild dogs are one of the most successful hunters on the planet, and even they will attempt to harass other predators in the hope of scoring a free meal.
The hyena knew which animals were likely to see more success in their hunts, and it knew that if it followed these dogs for long enough, they would bring down something that it might be able to take a few bites out of itself.
The Odd One Out
Exactly what the wild dogs had managed to hunt is unclear. The long grass hid the signs of any carcass, but several of the dogs did seem to be chewing on bones.
Due to the small size of wild dogs, larger predators like lions can easily force them off a kill if they don’t have enough numbers to defend it, so these canines eat their kills very quickly when they have the opportunity.
They might have already eaten most of the carcass, and left little for the hyena to steal, but while the pack was milling around a large tree and some bushes, the brave hyena loped in from the right.
A Step Too Far
The dogs didn’t attack it en mass, which was very good news for the hyena as the dogs outnumbered it drastically. It would not have been able to survive such an attack.
It was a risky game the hyena was playing, as it must have known the intense risk of entering the area. The dogs clearly weren’t happy with its presence, and worked to deter it, but the hyena wasn’t intimidated by them.
Rather than turning tail and fleeing, the hyena kept pushing further into their territory, and this was what caused the dogs to eventually turn directly hostile.
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Ineffective Deterrent
Even then, it was only the sentry dogs that were guarding the edge of the area which attacked, rather than the entire pack. The majority of the dogs seemed quite happy to continue milling about.
The hyena backed off when the attack came, clearly of the opinion that no free meal was worth being bitten for. But the dogs didn’t take the time to chase it completely from the area, and it quickly returned on the other side of the hill, prompting the dogs to give chase once again.
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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