Buffalo Calf and the Male Lion
At first glance, this looks like a classic lion-hunting-buffalo situation. After a few moments, you can see that the little buffalo is actually the one pursuing the lion. How can this be? The predator and prey roles seem to have been reversed here! We learn from the notes that buffalo calves have an instinct to fight to the bitter end. The lion simply stands and stares at the calf who approaches in an attempt to see the lion off. The lion retreats a little way and then turns around again to stare at the calf. We then learn that this is a tactic that lions use to entice calves away from the herd. Once the little calf is far away from the adults (and their powerful kicks and sharp horns) it will be a much easier target for the lion. But just when we start to feel really sorry for the little calf and think that it has fallen for the lion’s tactics, we learn that the lion has already eaten and is not in the mood for another kill. The lion is simply playing with the calf and eventually wanders off with no harm done!
Lions Hunting for Prey
The lion uses several methods for hunting prey – enticement is just one of them. As well as buffalo, they hunt antelopes, zebras, and warthogs. Also, it is more common for the lionesses to do the hunting rather than the males. A classic lion hunting method is stalking – very similar to the method used by domestic cats. The lion stays hidden for as long as possible (often in long grass) as they sneak up on their prey. Lionesses are better at this because they are slimmer and find it easier to stay hidden than the bulky males. The females will work together and will try to surround the prey whilst staying hidden. Eventually, the hunted animal will notice that they are being stalked and will make a break for it which is when the chase begins. Lions can run at up to 35 mph and because they are working as a team, they can often catch faster animals. Once the animal is caught, they are mauled, and a sharp bite is used to crush their necks so that they are paralyzed. The male lions do get involved in cornering larger prey. Once the animal is trapped, the male lions use their strength and power to overwhelm the trapped animal. This little buffalo is extremely lucky that the lion in this vid already had a full stomach!
Next Up:
Watch a Pride of 18 Lions Attack a Rhino as Zebras and Buffalos WatchWatch A Cornered Crocodile Fight Five Adult LionsWatch The World’s Boldest Crab Fend Off Curious Lions
