Warthog Runs Straight Into Two Adult Lions And Is Gone in a Flash

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Here we have another outstanding video filmed at the Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa. It has already been viewed more than 13 million times and gives a fascinating insight into how species behave in their natural environment.

A Warthog Encounters Some Lions

For the first half of the video, we see a warthog ambling and then trotting down a dirt track. Now and again, they stop to nibble at some of the vegetation and they are perfectly relaxed. This laid-back warthog does not realize that there are a couple of lions waiting to ambush just to the camera’s left. We can see the backs of their heads, well-camouflaged amongst the golden grass but the warthog has not yet realized what is up ahead.

The lions show great patience by staying hidden even when the warthog stops to eat grass for a while. All we can see is their heads bobbing above the grass now and again. At the midpoint of the video, one of the lions starts to creep forward and the warthog suddenly senses that something is going on! Amazingly, as one lion creeps ever closer through the tall grass, the super cool warthog decides that there is nothing to worry about and goes back to grazing. The warthog walks towards the waiting lion! At one point, the lion turns towards the camera as if to say “Can you believe this guy?”

Finally, the warthog notices the lions and tries to make a run for it, accelerating towards the camera. But the lions are faster and stronger and there are two of them! The outcome is sadly inevitable.

Is It Normal for Warthogs to Fight Lions?

Warthogs may seem tough with their four tusks and big shovel-shaped heads, but when it comes to predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, or hyenas, they usually prefer avoiding a fight. Instead, warthogs are quick to run away or seek refuge in a burrow to stay safe.

Warthogs In Africa

Warthogs are found throughout southern and central Africa. They are a member of the swine family and are recognizable by their four sharp tusks and padded bumps on their face that look like warts – hence the name warthog. They live in family groups and are rarely aggressive – they prefer to run away than pick a fight. As we see from this video, they are not slow! Warthogs can reach speeds of up to 30 mph!

When not being chased by lions, similar to their domesticated relatives, warthogs indulge in mud wallowing to cool down and escape pesky insects. They also engage in a mutually beneficial relationship with oxpeckers, tiny birds that ride on their backs, helping to alleviate insect nuisances by feasting on the bothersome bugs.

Lions are not the only animals to hunt warthogs. They are also preyed upon by cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and even crocodiles. Warthogs, on the other hand, eat mainly grass and tubers but will also eat insects. Unfortunately, this individual was so busy looking for food that they forgot to look out for predators!