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
How Many Hyenas Are in a Pack?
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?
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!
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