Lioness Completely Surrounded by Hyenas Refuses to Show an Ounce of Fear

Lions and hyenas often share the same habitats and prey, making them competitors more than each other’s prey or predators. Oftentimes, they will even steal food from each other. However, there are instances when one of the animals will hunt the other. In fact, a recent video shows a pack of hyenas surrounding a lioness, growling and biting at its legs. For the entire duration of the video, the lioness gently and commonly defends itself, showing zero fear of its competition. She was so calm that many commenters actually believed she might have been ill or exhausted. Whatever the case, she sauntered off seemingly unbothered and injured by the hyenas.

Watch the Action Below

Do Hyenas Hunt Lions?

While they don’t typically hunt each other as prey, both hyenas and lions will occasionally attack each other when competing for food. Additionally, hyenas will sometimes prey on cubs or older, more vulnerable lions. When hunting larger animals like lions, hyenas will also hunt in packs to have a better chance of taking down their prey. 

Are Lions Prey to Other Animals?

Lions are prey to a few animals, including humans, hyenas, crocodiles, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs.

Though they are apex predators, meaning they’re at the top of the food chain, vulnerable lions can and do fall prey to the above predators (and some others). For example, lion cubs are often targeted by hyenas and even adult male lions, who will kill their cubs to stake their claim on a lioness. Unfortunately, only one in eight cubs even makes it to adulthood.

Where Do Hyenas and Lions Live?

Both lions and hyenas live in Africa and Asia, while hyenas also live in Europe. Lions reside in open woodland, scrub, and grassland, and hyenas mostly roam open savannas, plains, and grassland. When their habitats overlap, the two animals will often compete for prey and sometimes even attack each other or kill each other’s young.