Unbelievable Video Shows a Huge Pack of Hyenas and a Crocodile Fighting Over Hippo Meat

© Vladimir Turkenich/Shutterstock.com

Written by Zeek Lepakko

Published: November 12, 2023

Share on:

Advertisement


Sometimes, nature sightings happen to be more bizarre than expected! The below clip certainly proves that, as it features an entire pack of hyenas fighting over lunch with a crocodile. Over a dozen hyenas are crowded around a hippo carcass, and a determined croc lurks nearby vying for his fair share. If that rivalry wasn’t enough, several lions shortly show up hoping there might be leftovers for them, as well! Who ends up taking the prize, though? Continue scrolling to find out!

Watch the Victor Emerge in This Savanna Struggle

@katenewmanphoto

One of the wildest sightings I’ve been lucky enough to witness! All thanks to the team at Losokwan Camp 🦁🐊✨ #safari #natgeo #wildlifeencounter #animalplanet #maasaimara #kenya

♬ original sound – Kate | Nature & Photography

How Many Hyenas Are in a Pack?

Hyena Birth - hyena pack

yeen

©iStock.com/Franz Schallmeiner

Packs, or clans, of hyenas can have a varying amount of individuals in them. Smaller groups may have around 10 or so animals in them, while some of the largest contain nearly 100. These adaptable clans are normally run by several related females, with the rest of the members being unrelated males. Whereas females usually stay with the same clan for their lifetime, male hyenas often leave as they mature. That said, the life of a male hyena can be very challenging, as they rarely have one clan to call home. It’s been observed that they relocate multiple times during their life, often being outcasts wherever they go.

Not only are clans ruled by female hyenas, but each sex has their own separate rank system. Quarrels may break out between males to establish dominance, but females often have strong social support among their relatives. Recent studies have further clarified that this kind of camaraderie stands out as a unifying factor even more so than the dominant critters in a clan simply being female.

Do Crocodiles Have Any Competition?

Nile Crocodile

©David Havel/Shutterstock.com

As one of the most formidable animals found on Earth, Nile crocodiles have little to fear aside from humans. Just as we saw in the above video, a croc can take whatever it wants and think little of other nearby predators. One of the most notable things about the Nile crocodile is its enormous size – these reptiles can grow up to 20 feet in length and 1,650 pounds in weight. What’s more is that even larger specimens than that have been reported, as well.

Also, with such incredibly powerful jaws and an appetite to match, it’s no wonder how these scaly beasts have gotten away with this attitude for millions of years. Is it any surprise these savage critters hold the place for the third strongest bite force on the planet? While they’re not quite dinosaurs, Nile crocodiles definitely have a similar ferocity!


Share this post on:
About the Author

Zeek is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering wildlife in Africa and international travel. Zeek has been studying animals for over 15 years and holds an Associate's Degree in Arts from Lone Star Montgomery, earned in 2011. A resident of Washington, Zeek enjoys designing video games and training his Shiba Inu, Cheems.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.