Lion
YouTube: Kruger Sightings

African Lion Viciously Brings Down Kudu in Front of Stunned Tourists

In South Africa, brutal life-or-death struggles are nearly a daily occurrence, as places like Kruger National Park are home to a variety of vicious predators, as well as a healthy share of animals that continually serve as just another link in the food chain. Thanks largely to the abundance of these brutal acts of nature, Kruger is one of Africa's most popular national parks, as tourists come from all over the planet to get an intimate experience with wildlife we simply don't have here in the United States.

The following footage, which was captured from two different angles, shows a lion walking down the center of the road before spotting a kudu in its path. What follows is a ruthless attack in which the big cat drags its prey off to the side of the road before finishing the job. As cold and ruthless as these attacks are, you can't help but appreciate the opportunity to see Mother Nature on display at such an intense level.

Clearly, this lion has become accustomed to the tourists in the park, as it seemed completely unfazed by the vehicles following him down the road.H e gave a quick glance back at the vehicle that stopped next to his kill, but even then, he did not seem too concerned with what was going on. It has us wondering if the kudu failed to hear the big cat coming because of traffic on the roadway. Once that lion sunk his claws into the back of that kudu, though, it was all over. The big cat was simply much too powerful and strong.

While female lions usually do the brunt of the hunting for the prides that wander through Africa, this video proves that the males have no problem with grabbing an easy snack if the opportunity presents itself. This did seem like an opportunistic kill more than the lion purposely hunting along the roadway. Either way, it's an amazing encounter to capture on video and share with the world. It may be brutal to watch, but that is simply nature's way.

For more outdoor content from Travis Smola, be sure to follow him on Twitter and check out his Geocaching and Outdoors with Travis YouTube channels

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