Watch a Klepto Crocodile Try to Steal a Lioness’s Food

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Written by Hannah Crawford

Published: December 6, 2023

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Lion and Croc
© 12019 from pixabay and jean52Photosstock from pixabay/ via Canva.com

It’s not often we think of lions and crocodiles fighting each other. Sure, their paths will cross in the wild. However, when it comes to food, practically any animal will fight for the right to have that food. Let’s say this lioness isn’t willing to give up this meal. Don’t miss the video above! 

Lioness and Crocodile Sighting in Africa

The YouTube video posted at the top of this blog post takes us to the land across the sea, the land of Africa. The Incredible Wild Animals Sighting Channel YouTube page filmed and shared this video. The other incredible animals that they share with their viewers are hyenas, hippos, giraffes, elephants, and impalas, to list a few. 

Epic Showdown Between a Lioness and Crocodile 

At the start of this epic showdown, we see a lioness gorging herself on a massive buffalo she found. This buffalo has likely already been dead. And the lioness took advantage of this situation so she could eat alone.

This lioness is interrupted by a massive klepto crocodile looking to steal her food. This thief has no intention of doing his hunting when he can devour this perfectly good meal right here. Notice how still this crocodile is while she is eating. He knows not to attack while she’s eating, as lions are highly territorial over their food. 

She begins to drag her kill back a few feet to escape the crocodile trying to steal. As she does, we see other crocodiles start to come up! They are banding together to try to snake the prey from under her. The lioness goes over and smacks each one on the nose. She’s telling them to stay away. 

Do Lions Hunt Large Prey?

What do lions eat - lion hunting zebra

A lion can run up to 50 miles per hour.

©Rostislav Stach/Shutterstock.com

Lions (Panthera leo) can weigh anywhere from 260-550 pounds and have long bodies over eight feet in length. While this sounds impressive, many animals, such as buffalo, zebras, and giraffes, can weigh five times that! However, this doesn’t stop lions. As carnivores, lions will enjoy various prey, such as small rodents; however, they also enjoy larger kills, such as gazelles, zebras, and cattle. 

The University of Minnesota adds that a lion pride hunting together: “If their best chance for a meal is a large dangerous prey like a Cape buffalo, lions certainly do pull together.” The lion’s ability to band together to complete a hunt is incredible. 

However, as we can see from this video, this lioness found this dead buffalo and didn’t need the pride. And she knew this would be a feast for her to enjoy. 


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About the Author

Hannah Crawford is a writer at A-Z Animals where she focuses on reptiles, mammals, and locations in Africa. Hannah has been researching and writing about animals and various countries for over eight years. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication\Performance Studies from Pensacola Christian College, which she earned in 2015. Hannah is a resident in Florida, and enjoys theatre, poetry, and growing her fish tank.

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