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

Written by Sharon Parry
Updated: August 30, 2023
© Rudi Hulshof/Shutterstock.com
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Key Points:
  • Lions possess great patience when hunting and are able to wait in silence until just the right time to strike.
  • Warthogs are generally peaceful and usually choose to run rather than fight. They are fast and can reach speeds of 35 mph.
  • Preyed upon lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and even crocodiles, Warthogs live stressful lives.

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.

lions
Lions are one of the main predators that warthogs fear in the wild.

©Adalbert Dragon/Shutterstock.com

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.

Warthog close up
Warthogs are omnivores but eat mainly grass and tubers

©nwdph/Shutterstock.com

Warthogs In Africa

Warthog family in South Africa
Warthogs live in family groups and are rarely aggressive.

©Samuel Holland/Shutterstock.com

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!

Watch The Full Video Below!


The Featured Image

Warthog in the scrub
Warthogs can run at up to 30 mph
© Rudi Hulshof/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Sharon has a Ph.D. in Public Health but has spent the last decade researching and writing about all things connected with animal health and well being. As a life-long animal lover, she now shares her family home with three rabbits, a Syrian hamster, and a very energetic Cocker Spaniel but in the past she has also been a Mom to Guinea Pigs and several cats!She has a passion for researching accurate and credible information about pets and reviewing products that make pet owners' lives a bit easier. When she isn't checking out new pet products she's trekking around the Welsh mountains and beaches with her dog - although she lets her husband and her three grown up daughters tag along sometimes if they are lucky!

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