Mother Leopard Fearlessly Goes Straight After a Hyena for Attacking Her Cub

In the wild, many different types of animals encounter each other while on the hunt for food. Some are predators, some are prey, and some are both. Depending on the age of the animal and its place in the food chain, it might plan an attack or be on the defense when roaming its habitat. In a recent viral video, we see a mother leopard fearlessly attack a hyena after it strikes her cub. The mother leopard wasted no time jumping in and defending its baby.

Mother leopards tend to be extremely protective of their cubs for at least the first few years of their lives. This instinct is showcased perfectly in the video below.

Watch the Wild Footage Below

The above video shows the harsh reality of the mother needing to dive in to protect her cub from a hyena attack. As the mother searches its habitat for food, a lurking hyena plans and executes its ambush on the leopard cub. Mother leopards must remain vigilant at all times when protecting their cubs. In the video, you can see the leopard fearlessly retaliate against the hyena, saving her cub before it’s too late. 

Are Mother Leopards Protective of Their Cubs?

Yes, mother leopards are extremely protective of their cubs. In fact, new leopard mothers are alert and ready for any sort of predator that they might come into contact with, especially just outside their den. Large predators such as lions and hyenas will often hunt leopard cubs. Thankfully, leopards stand a decent chance among most of their predators. Another leopard will defend its territory against other females while also protecting her cubs against potential predators.

About 40-50% of all cubs die within their first year of life. This is in large part due to the dangerous and prevalent predators lurking in the area. As a result, mothers will keep their cubs close by until they are fully grown and independent at around two years of age.

Do Hyenas Typically Attack Leopards?

Yes, hyenas can and do often kill leopards. However, it’s more common that they’re rivals. They are both opportunistic predators, competing for similar prey and food sources. In fact, hyenas will often steal kills from leopards and other predators.

Even so, hyenas will sometimes hunt and kill leopard cubs. Because they are smaller and more vulnerable, cubs are a prime target for hyenas. Thankfully for the cubs, mother leopards remain on the defense, protecting their cubs for at least the first few years of their lives — until they are mature and strong enough to defend themselves. 

Leopard vs. Hyena: Who Would Win?

Most likely, a leopard would win in a fight against a hyena. This is because leopards are highly skilled and can take down large prey by themselves. Hyenas often fight in pacts, so attacking a leopard on its own would likely result in its defeat and, ultimately, death. 

Especially under an ambush attack, a leopard would quickly be able to kill a hyena. Additionally, the leopard would use its strong teeth, claws, speed, agility, and experience to hurt and ultimately take down the hyena. The hyena might have a decent fight, but the odds are in the leopard’s favor. 

This outcome could be completely different if the hyena were to attack in a pack. However, one-on-one, the leopard is likely to take down the hyena with its powerful but long teeth, sharp claws, and ability to outrun, out-climb, and hide from the hyena.