Watch This Powerful Lioness Battle a Massive Buck in the Middle of a Waterhole

Africa is home to many creatures, and the struggles they face daily are certainly intense. In the video below, we see two wading waterbucks, a species of gazelle native to the area. We also get to see that an avid group of hungry lionesses is scoping things out. This combination clearly spells danger for the bucks, as it’s obvious to tell what comes next. One of the huntresses takes the initiative and leaps in after the splashing critters, and one of them is taken by surprise. Afterward, an intense struggle takes place for survival, with the buck on the losing end of the deal. The outcome of this midday clash favors the lions it seems, and the clip briefly shares the spoils of a dedicated hunter.

See the Watery Showdown!

Waterbucks are a populous grazing animal found throughout a central zone in Africa. As their name implies, they prefer hanging around water as a defense mechanism. Usually, predators including lions don’t prefer to get wet while hunting, but exceptions can be made if the circumstances are right.

Let’s do our best to stay dry and learn more about the truth behind these savanna dwellers.

Do Waterbucks Like Water?

Despite their namesake, studies have shown that the waterbuck only uses water begrudgingly to save itself. In other words, these animals will hide in bodies of water to protect themselves even though they don’t like getting wet! Unfortunately, though this is a clever strategy, it doesn’t always work as intended, as we see in the clip below. Regardless, they depend on water for their well-being and tend to stay near water as often as they can. Bold and somewhat fussy, it seems these ungulates deal with what they’re given and thrive anyway. How’s that for desert adaptation?

Do Lions Like Water?

Although treading through water will become necessary for most animals, felines have never quite adapted to it. Researchers think that cats have never really been acclimatized to an aquatic environment, hence their aversion to getting wet. Whether it’s the mightiest hunters in the animal kingdom like the lion, or even domestic cats, this reaction is easy to see. Remember the last time you saw a cat refusing bathtime? The same kind of protest can be assumed for most felines found in nature, as well.

However, some species of kitty will take to water like a sailboat if given the chance. Examples include the serval, the Turkish Van, and the Angora.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Yogiee/Shutterstock.com