You laugh now, but you’d have the same reaction if a branch snuck up on you in the bush like that…
South Africa (08 January 2026) – A little wildebeest calf has its first jump scare! That’s what wildlife photographer Thinus Van Staden was lucky enough to catch on video on a recent drive through the bush.
First, he gets a big fright and lets it simmer a while. Then he gets another big one, still not realising the branch is actually relatively chill. Then he runs away. Byeeeee!
We can’t blame the over-the-top reaction. We’ve all mistaken a fair share of slithery-looking things as snakes. Even cats do it; it’s why they famously hate cucumbers.
Thankfully, this little wildebeest got away with his life.
“No snakes were harmed during this stunt,” jokes Thinus.
Sources: Linked above
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