Pensioners Bob and Rosa Swart were in the Kruger National Park staying at the Shingwedzi camp when they witnessed three cheetahs hunt and kill a Waterbuck. Little did they know at the time, but this amazing sighting was just the beginning of a gripping encounter as soon crocodiles were going to get involved.
Heading in a south-easterly direction away from camp towards the Kanniedood Dam is described in brochures as being one of the most rewarding drives in the Park, and it proved to be exactly so for Bob and Rosa. The Shingwedzi River was largely dry and this made sightings there very clear that morning. They soon noticed the three cheetahs staring off into the bush and patiently waited to see what they had spotted. Pretty soon waterbuck came out of the brush and two of the cheetahs quickly made a kill. Unfortunately for the cheetah, despite the dry conditions, there were still plenty of crocodiles in the vicinity and pretty soon these hungry reptiles decided they wanted the cheetah’s meal for themselves.
Latest Sightings, where the Swart’s sent the footage, reports that “Crocodiles are not often considered scavengers. They are known to actively hunt their own prey rather than scavenge from other animals that have already been caught. Crocodiles will feed on almost anything they can catch, including fish, birds, and mammals” making this a pretty special moment.
Conflict between species is definitely not uncommon, as precious resources like meals are rare and fiercely guarded and fought for. Watch our previous clip in which a lion takes on a pack of hyena here.
