Watch a Pride Of Lions Stand Off Against a Whole Herd of Buffalo

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Being one of the deadliest predators in the world comes with certain perks. Few animals are willing to disturb lions and incur their wrath. In this case, we see a pride of lions standing up to a herd of buffalo numbering in the dozens.

The video begins with a lion pride spread out in a clearing with an area of higher ground, where some are standing. A herd of buffalo rounds a corner and quickly floods the area, sending one lion scrambling up the incline. The video cuts to a close-up standoff between a few lionesses and buffualo. A particularly aggressive buffalo charges at the group, who dodge its advances while still standing their ground. A couple other buffalo join in, charging at the lions to drive them back, while they in turn growl and dodge.

At one point there are at least 8 lions in view to the right, while buffalo take turns invading their space in an attempt to drive them back. As the camera pans, we see that the buffalo are just as stubborn as the lions, holding their ground as well. It’s a definite standoff taking place. In one last aggressive display, one animal from each side takes it turn charging–buffalo, then lion, buffalo, then lion. Then the encounter seems to end in a stalemate.

Is This Normal Behavior?

There are many video examples of lions and African buffalo standing off in similar ways. Buffalo can be aggressive in numbers, as they draw strength in their collective herd. They are capable of launching counterattacks against aggressive lions, or even intimidating lions that they perceive as a threat.

In the case of the video we watched, these buffalo seemed particularly riled up, going on the offensive to try and drive the lions away. While the lions did not seem to give into intimidation, they also didn’t attempt an attack. It seems that the buffalo were able to keep safe by huddling and charging their would-be opponents.