Shocking footage shows the moment an aggressive male lion attacked a litter of wild dog pups while their parents were away.
The pups had been left alone by their parents for only a few minutes before the big cat arrived on the scene. The incredible, but heartbreaking moment was caught on camera by 22-year-old junior actuarial analyst Jared Wolf while on a trip to the Sabi Sands, South Africa.
“Our day started off with excitement and pure joy, but ended with heartache and plenty of tears,” Jared told LatestSightings.com. “As the mother left the pups for a few minutes, probably in search of new food, all hell broke loose. Out of nowhere, an aggressive male lion barged into the scene and unfortunately got hold of two wild dog pups.”
Lions are known for dominating African wild dogs by stealing their kills and preying on their young. Studies have shown that wild dog populations are significantly lower in areas where lions are more abundant.
Unfortunately, this litter’s mother had no choice but to go out in search of food for the pups.
Wild dogs are highly social animals with strong bonds that live in packs with organized dominance hierarchies. Packs consist of anywhere from two to 27 adults and pups. African wild dogs produce more pups than any other canid, and can have litters ranging from six to 16 pups — though the average is around 10. Because multiple large litters would be impossible to feed, breeding is limited only to the dominant female. Pups are weaned at five weeks, and are then fed regurgitated meat by the other pack members.