This is the heart-pounding moment when a curious spotted hyena crossed paths with two fierce cheetahs and things went south!
The remarkable sighting was captured on camera and his 8-year-old son, Phoenix, during a safari in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Hanno, a 43-year-old nature enthusiast, documented the incredible scenes that unfolded and shared them with LatestSightings.com.
“We set out that morning, excited to have found two male cheetahs, the same two we had seen the day before. Little did we know that this day would be different. As we watched the cheetahs lounging in the golden grass of the S114 sand road, a curious hyena strolled into the scene.”
“I couldn’t help but recall a previous cheetah sighting with two males and a nonchalant hyena. They had ignored each other then, so I expected a similar interaction. But suddenly, without warning, both cheetahs sprang into action, chasing the hyena with astonishing speed and intent.”
Phoenix said, “Dad and I were both so surprised! The cheetahs were incredibly fast, and the hyena was running for its life. I’ve never seen animals move like that before.”
Hyena runs from cheetah and manages to just get away!
“The chase continued for what felt like an eternity, covering a good 200 yards. The hyena was clearly no match for the cheetahs’ agility and speed. It was a tense and exhilarating moment for us.”
“Eventually, the hyena managed to escape the relentless pursuit of the cheetahs. It retreated to safety, and the somewhat proud cheetahs lay to rest under a nearby tree. Perhaps trying to recover the energy they spent.”
Encounters like these happen occasionally, but they’re always a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife. It’s what makes safaris so thrilling and unforgettable.
“If you’re out on safari and want to capture moments like these, always be ready with your camera settings. As soon as the lighting conditions allow, increase your shutter speed. I prefer at least 2000 with a 500mm lens. This ensures you can capture fast-paced action, like cheetahs in a chase, without missing a beat.”