The hyenas had their sights set on the leopard cub, however, the leopard mother was not about to let them have their way.
Leopard and her cub take refuge in tree
The opportunistic hyenas had gathered around a fallen tree where the leopard and her cub had taken refuge.
The little cub sat perched on a branch right at the highest point of the tree and watched on, as the leopard mother did her best to intimidate the hyenas.
This was a full clan of hyenas and they marched around the area with a measure of bravado.
Spotted hyenas are known for their scavenging finesse. However, they are also commendable hunters.
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Hyenas wait for opportune moment
The clan milled around the base of the tree, grunting and yipping. They were an imposing bunch, more so because they were intent on making a kill.
However, leopards are unmatched climbers, and the mother had chosen her refuge well. She hissed and snarled softly to reassure the cub and to assert her dominance.
In spite of the fact that hyenas are dangerous in numbers, this clan could not reach the leopard and her cub in the upper branches of the tree.
The cub was fortunately out of their reach. The small animal was safe in the branches of the tree and was given a bird’s eye view of the action.
The beautiful little leopard captured the hearts of all who were watching and fortunately remained safe, as the hyenas circled around the tree like vultures.
Leopard mother positions herself between cubs and hyenas
The leopard mother wasn’t about to let them have their way and stood as a sentinel on a branch of the tree, positioning herself between the cub and the hyenas, so that they had no way of getting to her cub without going through her.
Eventually it seems the hyenas lost interest and disappeared back into the bushveld. They sauntered their way out of view, heads hung low with the gait so typical of hyenas.
What was so memorable was how the leopard mother had stationed herself as a barrier between the cub and the scavengers.
Leopard mother shows true colours as excellent guardian
Leopard mothers are devoted and fiercely protective of their cubs. After a gestation period of about 90 to 105 days, a female gives birth to one to 3 cubs, usually in a secluded den hidden in thick vegetation, caves, or among rocks.
At birth, the cubs are blind and vulnerable, weighing less than a kilogram. The mother keeps them well hidden for the first few weeks, moving them regularly to avoid detection by predators like lions, hyenas, and even other leopards.
While the hyenas had discovered the cub’s presence, the leopard mother did a good job in protecting the little one. Her vigilance and positioning in the ordeal made the hyenas realise they had no chance of success in the situation and they drifted off in search of easier prey.
