This jackal had been preparing eat when another fierce predator showed up: a hungry tawny eagle intent on stealing its lunch.
German photographer Ingo Gerlach managed to capture the standoff in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, as the eagle repeatedly dived at the jackal, but always managed to stay out of reach of its opponent.
With their powerful feet and razor-sharp talons, eagles are known bullies.
The jackal was determined not to give up its meal with a fight.
Leaping acrobatically into the air with its teeth bared, the canine manages to keep the hungry bird at bay.
The eagle’s ability to soar effortlessly in mid-air keeps it safe as it taunts the jackal below. As fearless as eagles can be, the bird knows if it gets too close, the jackal wouldn’t hesitate to take a bite.
After a standoff that lasted several minutes, the eagle decides to call it a day and the jackal chases it off triumphantly.