Cameron Schmidt filmed this dramatic footage and sent it to Latest Sightings. He witnessed the incident at Pumba Game Reserve, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Efficient predators
Compared to many other large predators, cheetahs are quite successful hunters. While leopards only succeed in about 40% of their attempts, cheetahs boast a success rate exceeding 50%.
This figure increases when they hunt in groups. So, when two young cheetahs set off in pursuit of an adult blesbok, their chances of securing their next meal looked promising.
Close call
As predators and prey streaked across the open plain, one of the cheetahs managed to briefly hook its claws into the antelope’s rump.
However, the blesbok managed to slip out of its clutches. But the chase was far from over.
At this point, it was a question of whether the antelope would outlast the predator’s limited stamina. Cheetahs can only maintain their top speed for around 400 metres.
Second time lucky?
Only a few strides later, the cheetah made another grab at the blesbok. This time, it looked like they would be successful.
As the first cat dug its claws into the antelope’s flanks, the second moved in to assist. Having achieved this, the first cheetah tried to get at the blesbok’s throat.
But, this proved to be easier said than done, as the antelope bucked and fought to escape their clutches.
Hold on tight
Slowly but surely, the cheetah got closer to the antelope’s throat while its partner held on for dear life.
Meanwhile, the blesbok was showing no signs of giving up. As they fought to subdue their prey, the cheetahs had to be careful not to be trodden on. An injury now could have devastating consequences.
Gripped by the throat
Although the cheetah did eventually manage to secure an all-important grip on the antelope’s throat, the ram continued to fight.
But would it be enough?
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Unseen escape
What happened next is, unfortunately, not recorded. Somehow, the blesbok managed to get free of the cheetah that was holding onto its neck.
With that, it had a shot at surviving this harrowing encounter. Still full of fight, the desperate antelope made to escape the predators once and for all.
Initially, it looked like it might not get very far. The cheetah was right behind it, ready to once again sink its inch-long claws into the ram’s hindquarters.
Second cheetah goes AWOL
However, there was no sign of the second cheetah. The outcome of the hunt was now on a knife-edge.
Without the assistance of its partner, would the tiring cheetah have either the stamina or strength left to deal with the still-strong antelope?
As it happened, it did not. With every stride, the blesbok increased the distance between itself and the visibly flagging predator.
After what can only be described as a very close call, the antelope had twice managed to escape the grasp of the predators. And this time around, it would ensure that this would not be a case of third-time lucky.
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!