See Water Buffalo Turn the Tables and Stand Up to a Giant Lion

In this unique video below, nature’s drama unfolds. A fully grown male lion finds itself in an unexpected encounter with a fearless water buffalo. Just before the scene begins, one can imagine the lion confidently prowling near this herd of grazing buffalo. Little does the king of the jungle know that one of the buffalo has a courageous spirit. That’s when the film starts rolling, and we see the lion in retreat to avoid a buffalo’s sharp horns! 

Watch the Video Below!

The brave water buffalo charges at the lion, catching it off guard. With sheer determination, the buffalo takes a stance against the startled predator. Sensing their leader’s bravery, the rest of the buffalo herd quickly rallies behind him. They move forward, forming a protective line just behind the initial buffalo. The video cuts to when the lion has realized it’s outnumbered, hiding in a tree! Cornered in a small branch out of reach from the buffalos’ sharp horns!

The buffalo herd has the lion locked away in the tree branches. Then the video cuts to show the lion moving to the ground, seeking refuge behind a fallen tree trunk. From this temporary hiding spot, the lion watches the buffalo herd, its eyes glinting with both frustration and caution. Suddenly, the lion musters up the courage for a daring feint. The lion hopes to intimidate the buffalo and regain control of the situation. This feint successfully triggers the prey instinct of the buffalo, and the one closest to the lion can’t help but jump back. This instigates a collective decision, the herd starts to put distance between themselves and the predator, demonstrating their wisdom and survival instincts.

The video concludes with the lion left behind, no longer posing an immediate threat to the buffalo. Nature’s intricate dance of power and resilience is beautifully captured, leaving viewers in awe of the bravery and unity displayed by the water buffalo herd in the face of a formidable foe.

Why Lions Don’t Tend to Try Hunting Alone

Lions typically avoid hunting alone, especially when targeting large prey such as water buffaloes. These majestic creatures understand the inherent risks involved in confronting such powerful adversaries. Water buffaloes possess immense strength and formidable horns, making them challenging targets for a single lion. Instead, lions often rely on their cooperative hunting strategy, employing teamwork and coordination within their pride.

By hunting in groups, lions can increase their chances of a successful kill while minimizing the risks associated with tackling larger and potentially dangerous prey. The lone male lion we see in the video above doesn’t have this advantage, and as soon as the water buffalo are too close he’s completely cornered without the aid of his family! This social hunting behavior allows lions to leverage their combined strength and strategic maneuvers to overpower and bring down formidable prey.

Is it Normal Behavior for a Lion to Retreat to a Tree?

Lions are not as agile at climbing trees as other big cat species like leopards. The body of a lion is better suited for hunting and interaction on the ground. Sometimes lions do climb trees for reasons like getting a better view of the landscape if they are in search of prey. They also may retreat to a tree for relief from the hot sun.

It’s more common for a lion to escape a threat either by utilizing its speed to run away. But a lion will typically confront a threat head-on (being the “King of the Jungle” and all). But the lion also relies on protection from its pride. As a group, they can defend each other, as well as hunt cooperatively. In the case of the lion in the video, he was alone (and maybe a bit cowardly?). The irony is that one would imagine the lion could have simply run away from the buffalo. Why did he climb the tree? Only he can answer that question!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Mark Haeussler