This incredible sighting was filmed by Stuart Chamberlain near to Malelane Gate in the Kruger National Park.
Warthog burrow targeted by young lions
When threatened by predators like lionesses, warthogs often seek refuge in burrows. These provide a safe and secure hiding place. They are typically abandoned aardvark holes which the warthogs take over and sometimes modify.
In moments of danger, a warthog will sprint to the nearest burrow, often entering it rear-first so that its sharp tusks face outward toward the entrance. This defensive position allows the warthog to protect itself effectively, as the tusks can cause serious injury to any predator which attempts to follow.
In this heartbreaking sighting, three young male lions were not deterred by the burrow. They went in for the kill anyway.
They first snatched a baby warthog, with one of them capturing it in its jaws and strutting through the bushveld area with an air of dominance and determination.
A baby warthog is called a piglet. Piglets are born with tusk buds and begins walking within just a few hours of birth. To stay safe from predators, they spend their first few weeks hidden in a burrow.
Having killed the piglet, the lions continued to hang around the burrow, aware of the mother’s presence inside of it.
The decision to invade the burrow provided a rare sighting. Lions, though skilled hunters, often hesitate to pursue warthogs into tight burrows because of the risk of injury and the confined space.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
The burrow acts as both a shield and a strategic vantage point for the warthog. They give it a chance to survive encounters with far more powerful hunters.
In some instances such as this one, lions may attempt to dig or wait near the entrance. However, unless unless the warthog is forced out, they usually move on in search of easier prey.
Lions manage to ‘break into’ burrow
The lion trio managed to paw and claw their way into the burrow, and pull the mother out from her hiding place.
It was a terrible moment of raw brutality, however, life in the bushveld is often filled with moments which stir extreme emotions.
While the mother warthog had been hidden from view, she was now pulled into the open, standing no chance of getting away. One of the lions bit at her neck and the other, at her hindquartres.
The warthog squealed and thrashed, but was no match for the combined power of the three lions. This was a rare but powerful example of predator cooperation and brute force.
Mother warthog succumbs to lion trio’s brutal attack
When determined and hungry, male lions are capable of digging or using their strength and weight to collapse the entrance of a warthog’s burrow. Working together, they might take turns pawing at the soil, growling and snorting with effort as they try to reach the warthog hiding inside.
In this tragic sighting, the kill was quick and brutal. Male lions, which are less commonly seen hunting than lionesses, tend to use overwhelming force rather than stealth.
This heartrending moment was a harsh but fascinating display of nature’s raw instincts at work.
