Elephant fights off hyenas to save baby

[Shrike]

Cool photo series. Hyenas, my mom is an elephant. Your argument is invalid.

http://news.yahoo.com/lightbox/elep...ant-fighting-off-hyenas-photo--704095293.html

 

[pitbulllady]

How many of you noticed the statement that the calf had already been injured? In that first photo, where was quite a bit of blood on it. How badly injured, the photo story didn't say, but it could be that the baby's momentary escape from becoming hyena lunch is just temporary. It's injuries could still prove fatal, and a slow death from infection at that. Several of the hyenas had blood around their jaws, so it's likely they'd gotten in some really bad bites before giving up, and they'll be back to finish the job eventually.

pitbulllady

 

[Shrike]

How many of you noticed the statement that the calf had already been injured? In that first photo, where was quite a bit of blood on it. How badly injured, the photo story didn't say, but it could be that the baby's momentary escape from becoming hyena lunch is just temporary. It's injuries could still prove fatal, and a slow death from infection at that. Several of the hyenas had blood around their jaws, so it's likely they'd gotten in some really bad bites before giving up, and they'll be back to finish the job eventually.

pitbulllady

I noticed the blood as well. Hyenas certainly are formidable. Here's to hoping the little guy made it. Sometimes, wounded animals turn out to be surprisingly resilient. It certainly helps to have a very large, protective mother on your side.

 

[antinous]

I've seen the photos and they're quite interesting!
There has been other cases hyenas have gone after young elephants, and there is a part of Kruger (Or another game reserve, can't name it off the of my head) where lions readily hunt juvenile elephants, which is pretty amazing to see. As hyenas tend to have a large number of individuals in their group, I don't see why they couldn't either, but for the most part they're usually too intimidated by large animals such as elephants.

But great photos nonetheless!

 

[bugmankeith]

I think the baby could make it as elephants are very protective and everyone in the herd watches over the babies. So long as its not severe wounds or dies from exhaustion it should recover.