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.
