Two crocodiles chase 3 cheetahs off a waterbuck that they caught only minutes ago. The cheetahs run off before they are able to finish their meal.
Bob and Rosa Swart, retired nature enthusiasts, recently had this once-in-a-lifetime experience in Kruger National Park and shared it with LatestSightings.com.
“We were out on our daily drive when we spotted three cheetahs in the dry Shingwedzi river bed outside the camp gate. Despite the intense heat, the cheetahs were alert and focused on something in the riverbed. We waited for over an hour until a group of waterbucks approached,
including some youngsters.”
Cheetahs are known for their speed and agility, making them successful hunters. They can run up to 75 miles per hour in short bursts, allowing them to catch prey quickly. They rely on their eyesight to spot prey from a distance and use their speed to ambush them.
“Suddenly, one of the cheetahs slunk off into the bush, and the other two sprang into action, chasing the waterbucks. Success at last! One of the cheetahs managed to catch a waterbuck, and the rest of the cheetahs joined in.”
“All the commotion created a lot of interest, and the crocodiles that were basking in the sun on the edges of the remaining pools of water began approaching. The cheetahs tried to stand their ground and began hissing at the crocodiles.”
“The crocodiles eventually intimated the cheetahs, and they sprinted off away from their kill. A total of 12 crocodiles appeared and went for the waterbuck kill. However, in the end, only the largest crocodile remained at the carcass, surrounded by vultures and other scavenging
birds.”
Crocodiles are not often considered scavengers. They are known to actively hunt their own prey rather than scavenge from other animals that have already been killed. Crocodiles will feed on almost anything they can catch, including fish, birds, and mammals.
The Swarts advise fellow nature enthusiasts to drive slowly in the park. With the right attitude and a little bit of luck, anyone can have a memorable experience in Kruger National Park.
