On an icy winter morning in the Greater Kruger, professional safari guide Neil Coetzer and his guests witnessed an unforgettable Lions vs Hyenas encounter. They were led by a group of hyenas to the site of a kill, already partially consumed and fiercely contested.
Members of the Western Pride had been guarding what remained, but the growing presence of hyenas quickly shifted the balance. Soon, a lone lioness found herself surrounded.
What followed was a dramatic standoff between two of Africa’s most iconic predators, a rare and intense encounter that left everyone breathless.
Watch Sighting On Video: Lions vs Hyenas
With the rest of the pride nowhere in sight, a single lioness was left behind, holding her ground over what remained of the carcass. At first, just a few hyenas approached, circling cautiously.
But their numbers grew rapidly — soon there were around 15 of them, surrounding her in a tight ring.
Trying to Fend Them Off
The lioness growled deeply, spinning around in all directions as the hyenas closed in. For a few tense seconds, she tried to hold her ground, turning from side to side to face the threat.
But the hyenas weren’t backing down-they knew they had the advantage in numbers, and their confidence was growing by the second.
Animal Behaviour Fact:
A single lioness can typically hold her own against up to 3 to 4 hyenas. But once the numbers climb higher, the hyenas gain confidence and begin to test her with coordinated harassment. These encounters are not just about food; they are territorial and deeply competitive.
She Makes a Run for It
Understanding that staying meant serious injury or worse, the lioness made a calculated decision. She turned and ran from the scene, allowing the hyenas to take over the kill for now.
Triumphant, the hyenas wasted no time. They dove in, screeching and squabbling over the remains. But their victory would be short-lived because change was coming fast.
A Male Lion Appears in the Distance
In the distance, a large male lion emerged, calm, focused, and aware. He didn’t need to run. He knew his presence alone was enough to change the game.
Animal Behaviour Fact:
While hyenas may gang up on lionesses, they rarely challenge adult male lions. The typical safety ratio for hyenas is 20 to 1; it would take 20 hyenas to consider confronting one dominant male. They’ve learned from experience that a male lion can and will kill a hyena if provoked.
The King Reclaims the Feast
The hyenas backed off immediately. They hovered nearby, hoping for scraps, but none dared to challenge the new authority. The male lion walked in like a king, calm and unbothered, and claimed the kill without lifting a paw.
As the male lion claimed the carcass, some of the bolder hyenas hovered nearby, still circling and yipping, unwilling to give up completely. But he wasn’t lying down; he stood tall, alert, and in full control.
With a low growl and sudden force, he spun around and lunged forward, sending the hyenas scattering in all directions. It was a brief but dominant charge, a clear message that the feast now belonged to the king.
Animal Behaviour Insight:
Lions and hyenas are ancient rivals, competing over food and territory. Hyenas have powerful jaws and incredible stamina, but lions, especially males, dominate through sheer power and presence. These standoffs are about survival, hierarchy, and respect in the wild.
- Also read: The Kudu who wouldn’t give up-another intense wildlife moment from the African bush.
Hyenas Still Hoping for a Second Chance
Even after being chased off, the hyenas didn’t completely give up. They kept their distance, watching closely. A single distraction or a small opening was all they needed. But as long as the lion was there, alert and in control, there would be no opportunity.
Witnessing this scene, from the lioness’s brave stand to the male lion’s arrival, was a powerful reminder of nature’s raw dynamics. These ancient rivalries are not just about food, but survival, instinct, and the balance of power in the wild.
