A leopard jumps onto a warthog’s back. The warthog spins around and around to try and break free from the leopard’s grip.
Alison Drake, a wildlife enthusiast, had always been fascinated by the dynamics of predator-prey relationships. So, when the moment presented itself in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, she knew she had to capture the moment. She shared it all with LatestSightings.com.
Leopards are known for their love of warthog meat, and despite the danger, they will stop at nothing to get a taste of it. In fact, warthogs make up a significant portion of a leopard’s diet, and they are often the preferred prey due to their abundance in certain areas.
However, warthogs are not easy prey. They are strong and have formidable tusks that they use to defend themselves. When faced with danger, a warthog will run and, if cornered, will turn and fight with all its might.
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In the case of Alison’s sighting, the warthog did just that. “As the leopard pounced, the warthog swung its body around, catching the leopard off-guard. Using its powerful neck muscles, the warthog lifted the leopard off the ground. The struggle continued for what felt like an eternity.”
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“Squeals of desperation filled the air as the warthog fought on. The high intensity movement along with the dust that encompassed the two stunned the leopard momentarily; the warthog took its chance to make a run for it. It zigzagged through the bushes, using its speed and agility to escape.”
What do leopards eat?
A leopard’s diet will consist of only meat. Leopards are carnivores and will eat anything from rodents to medium sized antelope.
“Perhaps inexperience and overambition were the two main factors in this leopard’s loss. A young leopard challenging a fully grown warthog, the odds were always stacked against the feline. With his head lowered and a glimmer of embarrassment in his eyes. The leopard slowly disappeared back into the undergrowth of the mopani bush.”
