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Lion Traps An Antelope In A Waterhole With Crocodiles

Lion corners an antelope. Image by safari.travel.ideas on Instagram.

A video of a dramatic wildlife encounter has gone viral on Instagram. An antelope finds itself trapped between a lion and water filled with crocodiles. This heart-stopping scene showcases nature’s raw power and peril.

The Unfolding Drama

Lions love thick grasslands
Lions love thick grassland, and brush habitat, where there is enough cover for hunting. Image via Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The video begins with an antelope standing nervously on the edge of a riverbank. It senses danger both in front and behind. On one side, a hungry lion eyes its prey with a predatory focus. On the other, murky waters ripple with the presence of lurking crocodiles. The antelope is caught in a life-or-death predicament.

The Lion’s Calculated Moves

Lion
Female lion hunting. Image via Depositphotos

As the lion approaches, its movements are slow and deliberate. It knows the antelope has nowhere to go. The lion’s stealthy advance increases the tension, making viewers hold their breath. Each step brings it closer to a potential meal, and the antelope’s desperation is palpable. The lion exemplifies the patience and cunning of a top predator.

The Antelope’s Dilemma

red lechwe
Red lechwe antelopes (Kobus leche) running through water, Kwando river, Namibia. Image by EcoPic via Depositphotos

The antelope, aware of the danger from both sides, makes quick, nervous glances. It knows a wrong move could be fatal. Should it risk the lion’s claws or the crocodile’s jaws? This moment captures the harsh realities of survival in the wild. The antelope’s instinct to flee is matched by its understanding of the deadly options.

Crocodiles Waiting in the Wings

Resting
Crocodile resting. Image Via Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Adding to the tension are the crocodiles in the water. They are almost invisible, with only occasional ripples giving away their presence. The crocodiles’ patience mirrors the lion’s, as they too wait for the antelope to make a move. This silent, lurking threat in the water adds another layer of danger to the scene.

The Climactic Moment

lioness drinking water
Lioness at a watering hole. Image by Birger Strahl via Unsplash

The climax of the video is when the antelope makes a desperate decision. It decides to take its chances with the lion. With a sudden burst of speed, the antelope tries to dart past the predator. The lion lunges, and viewers are left on edge, wondering about the outcome. This split-second decision underscores the antelope’s fight for survival.

Conclusion

Elephants crossing
Lion stretching. Image provided by Elephants Crossing Lodge. https://elephants.crossinglodges.com/

The video of the antelope caught between a lion and crocodile-filled waters is a striking reminder of nature’s brutal reality. It showcases the constant struggle for survival that animals face. This intense moment captivates viewers and highlights the delicate balance of life in the wild. I hope you enjoyed reading about the lion that outsmarted an antelope. To read more stories like this check out the articles below: 

Latest posts by Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology (see all)