Hyenas Band Together To Swipe an Impala From a Pythons Grip

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The power of having numbers in a group only works if you know you can successfully beat the odds. And while these hyenas definitely have outnumbered this massive python, the odds may not be in their favor. Anytime a predator is seeking to steal from another predator there is great danger. Animals are usually always willing to fight for three things—the ability to fight for their food, territory, and mating rights. 

Hyenas Work Together to Steal Prey

The YouTube video posted at the top of this blog post takes us to Africa, where hyenas have banded together to steal prey from another predator. The Incredible Wild Animals Sightings YouTube page was sent this video and shared it to their channel. Their most recent videos are of lions attacking a buffalo, lions fighting a zebra, and lions and hyenas fighting. 

Hyenas Vs. Python In Vicious Fight

As the video above starts, we see that a massive python has his grip tightly around an impala. He has hunted this prey down and is enjoying the completion of this kill so he can eat it. Now, you might be wondering what kind of python it is, and we want to help you figure it out. 

Anytime you watch a video and can’t identify the animal, it helps to do the process of elimination. This video takes place in Africa, and it is also backed up by these spotted hyenas. So, the process of elimination tells us that it is most likely the African rock python. However, as the video quality doesn’t let us get a further look, this is a best-guess scenario. 

As the hyenas surround the python, they are looking for any avenue to get in and swipe this kill. Notice the sounds these hyenas are making as they continue to circle this predator and prey. 

What Sounds Do Spotted Hyenas Make?

Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) can be found throughout Africa. The other members of their family are the striped hyena, brown hyena, and aardwolf. Hyenas are famously known for living in large groups. Sometimes, these groups are as few as 6 members. However, they can grow up to 100 individuals at times!

According to the San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants, “Spotted hyenas have distinctive vocalizations. In fact, they are the most vocal mammals in Africa, with over 11 different sounds recorded.” They use these vocalizations to communicate with each other, which will best help them succeed in stealing this kill. But, as we can see from the video above, stealing from a massive python isn’t as easy as it looks, even with the numbers.