This is the incredible moment a leopard flung itself off a tree in a desperate bid to catch a squirrel.
The big cat was hunting for prey in Kruger National Park, South Africa, when it spotted the small animals hiding in the branches.
After a ground hunt proved fruitless, the leopard clambered up the tree to continue its search.
This is the incredible moment a leopard flung itself off a tree in a desperate bid to catch a squirrel in Kruger National Park, South Africa
As the two animals clambered higher and higher, the daring feline made its way onto branches that could no longer carry its weight.
And in a final desperate bid to catch the prey, the leopard was seen launching itself towards the branches of another tree.
The unbelievable photographs were captured by ranger Jenni Chin, who was making her way home when she spotted the leopard.
Ms Chin said: ‘We saw that the leopard seemed quite keen to climb up the Mopane tree.
The big cat was initially seen completing a ground search near one of the dusty tracks in the African reserve
After the hunt proved fruitless, the leopard (top centre), which was fairly well disguised by the branches, clambered up the tree
‘We thought this was quite odd, as Mopanes are not typically the type of tree that they would climb.
‘She immediately looked awkward and uncomfortable up there – I just couldn’t understand what she was thinking.
‘At the same time, we could hear squirrels incessantly alarm calling at a distance and I couldn’t figure out why they were alarming so fervently when the leopard was nowhere near them.’
Ms Chin, who has been a ranger at the park for two years, insists that wildlife experts had no idea leopards were capable of using airborne methods for hunting.
As the two animals clambered higher and higher, the daring feline made its way onto branches that could no longer carry its weight and it was forced to jump
In a final desperate bid to catch the prey, the leopard was seen launching itself towards the branches of another tree
Amazingly, the big cat’s gamble paid off and it was spotted later on with a squirrel lodged in its mouth
She said: ‘The leopard came out onto the road once she had made the kill and turned to look almost boastfully at us, before taking her prize further down the road and into some thickets to enjoy in peace.
‘We could not believe what we had just witnessed and we both looked at each other with our mouths wide open, in shock and awe. It was unbelievable.
‘I could not believe how much risk and effort this young leopard was taking, all after a small bite-sized snack. I was beyond excited.’