Anton & Michelle Campbell-Harris sent their video of the incident to Latest Sightings. They filmed it at a water hole in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Sun-bathing snake
As we join the action in the video, we see a South African rock python basking in the sun on the bank of a water hole. As we watch, we hear Michelle asking if the leopard has been seen. Anton says it hasn’t.
As it happens, the spotted cat had also taken an interest in the large reptile.
Curious cat
In the next scene, the leopard has made its way down to where the snake is sunning itself. Warily, it approaches and begins to inspect the python.
Subsequently, after initially appearing confused as to which end to tackle, the cat heads over to the snake’s head.
However, it doesn’t receive a friendly welcome. As the python strikes defensively, the leopard jumps back in alarm.
On the offensive
Undeterred, the leopard then strikes out with its paw, hoping to hook the snake by the head.
Evasive action
However, the snake manages to evade its claws. Subsequently, it slowly turns, intent on moving away from the predator.
Unsurprisingly, the leopard is not about to give up so easily. It makes its way down the embankment to block the python’s escape.
Successful strike!
Now, standing in front of the snake, the leopard once again swats at the snake’s head.
This time, it is successful, and in an instant, the leopard has the snake by the neck.
Time to eat
Eager to devour its unusual meal, the big cat then runs towards Anton and Michelle, who continually express their amazement at what they are witnessing.
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Fight for freedom
As the leopard prepares to feed, the snake begins to struggle. Unfortunately, what follows is obscured by some branches, but the net result is that the snake is let go.
Suddenly freed, the python attempts to move away from its aggressor. Consequently, the leopard seems at a loss for how to proceed with its reptilian prey.
Initially, the snake lies motionless on the embankment while the leopard looks on uncertainly.
A short while later, it is the snake that seizes the initiative. Launching itself, it lands in the nearby water and tries to swim away.
In response, the leopard makes its way down the slope in pursuit. Unfortunately, it soon disappears from view, and we don’t get to know the outcome of the interaction.
Catholic cats
More so than any of the other big cats, leopards enjoy a wide variety of prey items in their dietary menu. Referred to as a catholic diet, it consists of a remarkable 90 different species of animals.
For the most part, they hunt various antelopes, such as duiker and impala. Warthogs and porcupines are also regularly targeted.
In addition, they hunt various primates, rodents, birds, insects, fish, and, as seen in the video, reptiles. This variety enables them to thrive in diverse habitats, from deserts to jungles, including on the fringes of human settlements.
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.
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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.
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