A Leopard cub stalked and attacked a Monitor Lizard but got a life lesson in hunting when the lizard slapped the cub around a few times.
A video of a Leopard cub was filmed attempting to hunt a lizard. The video is adorable in the sense that the cub was practising his hunting skills while playing around with something it had never encountered before. The Monitor lizard attempted to defend itself by slapping the cub with its powerful tail.
Monitor lizards are renowned for their sturdy limbs but their tails are where the power hides. According to the Kruger Sightings YouTube account, the lizard will attempt to make itself look larger.
The tails can account for, typically, half of the lizard’s body length, and give you a good whipping. When confronted, monitor lizards try to puff themselves up as much as possible, making themselves appear larger and more threatening. They stand upright on all legs, puffing up their lungs, flattening their back, making a hissing sound, and some will also sway from side to side.
As a final protective measure, they open their mouths as far they can. If approached, the monitor may lunge and attack. The monitor lizard is much like a mommy lion whose babies are threatened, in that it will attack relentlessly.
The video was captured by Costa Frangeskides who was on holiday at the Kaingu Safari Lodge in Zambia. He was on a game drive when he came across the incredible encounter.
“We were out on a beautiful day safari drive when we came upon a monitor lizard in the middle of the road. We could see that there were two leopards looking very interested in trying to make a morsel of the monitor.”
“The lizard knew that it was in trouble and immediately began thrashing its tail around from side to side in order to protect itself. The tail is a pretty powerful tool, however, once the lizard had its back to the leopard he was able to grab him at the back of the neck and make off into the bushes with his treat.”
“I’m pretty sure that the monitor lizard did not survive the ordeal but this was an incredible sighting to have witnessed. Once again nature has a way to hold you in suspense and play out a multitude of emotions within your soul.”
Watch the video below.
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