When hunting alone, the wildebeest might be a feasible prey for the hyena. Of course, the battle is intense as the predator and prey are almost equally matched.
Images captured at Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, show a lone hyena attacking a wildebeest while it grazes with its herd on a wide grassland.
The predator aims at the prey’s hind legs, trying its best to bring it down. Meanwhile, when cornered, the wildebeest struggles desperately to find a chance for survival.
The struggle lasts about 40 minutes. After injuring the prey’s legs, the hyena attacks other parts and eventually brings down its prey. A very clever strategy by the predator.
When facing large prey, this can be considered a smart strategy by the predator: It injures the legs so the prey can’t run before attacking other parts.
At this point, the hyena attacks the wildebeest’s belly.
These lethal blows quickly subdue the prey.
Now, the hyena only has to enjoy its meal.