Safari operator Gerrie Smit shared an incredible sighting with us of a female leopard fighting with a hyena who had stolen her kill just south of Skukuza.
‘The folks in the car next to us alerted us to the fact that the famous De Laporte female leopard caught the impala and the hyena stole it from her,’ said Smit. ‘Then it all started happening. Not once, four times. The air was thick with anticipation, and typical Saffers we all rooted for the underdog leopard.’
Credit: Magda Du Toit
‘A tawny eagle dive-bombed the hyena and distracted it just long enough to give the leopard the courage and chance to try and get her spoils back,’ Smit continued.
Hyenas have a reputation for stealing from big cats, and on many occasions, they have been caught in a mob stealing from them. ‘As anybody would tell you – a small, solitary female Leopard will NEVER challenge an 80 kg female Hyena,’ Smit added.
‘She stalked and attacked the, distracted, much bigger hyena. Unfortunately, without success and luckily with no injury and her bravery undented. She retreated to the perimeter and waited her chance.
‘By now the hyena was not very confident anymore and another hyena appeared in the distance, scaring off the original thief. The leopard used the opportunity to go grab some meat and retreated again.
‘After a couple of interactions, the hyena made another appearance and again stole what was left. The leopard then calmly walked from spot to spot where the carcass was lying to pick up any remaining scraps.’
Pictures: Gerrie Smit
