The vicious circle of life in action

File photo: The impala put up such a struggle that he dragged the python into the bush.

File photo: The impala put up such a struggle that he dragged the python into the bush.

Published Mar 20, 2013

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Johannesburg - A young impala found itself between a rock and a hard place as it watched a hyena approaching while in the coils of a python, Beeld reported on Wednesday.

“It was an unbelievably dramatic incident, but one that again shows the harsh reality of nature,” said Jack Hutchinson, manager of the KwaMbili Lodge in Thornybush, near the Kruger National Park's Orpen gate.

He was on a game viewing drive in the reserve on Thursday when he heard the anxious cries of impalas. He expected to find them being stalked by a leopard, but instead found the impala in the coils of a giant python.

“This is the sort of incident that you don't see every day in nature.”

Minutes later a hyena emerged from the dense bush. The impala tried to get onto its front legs, watching the hyena anxiously as it struggled to get away. The hyena was very interested, but also cautious, approaching step by step. Then he sniffed the air and trotted off.

In the meantime, the impala put up such a struggle that he dragged the python into the bush.

Nadav Ossendryver, of Kruger Sightings on the WhatsApp social network, reported that the hyena was later spotted eating the impala's carcass. - Sapa

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