These incredible photographs show the moment a group of impalas leapt up into the air to escape the jaws of a crocodile.
Four antelopes jumped up in opposite directions after becoming aware of the danger at Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa
The amazing pictures were taken by South African amateur photographer John Mullineux, who saw several herds come up to the waterhole before fleeing the baby crocodile.
The group of impalas went to the waterhole to quench their thirst as a baby crocodile lay in wait at the edge of the water
The frightened African antelopes sprang up into the air as the hungry crocodile tried to pounce upon its prey
Amateur photographer John Mullineux said several herds came to drink at the pool but all the impalas managed to escape
A group of antelopes immediately dashed away from the waterhole as the crocodile became terrifyingly close to reaching them
‘It swam in, secured its footing, and positioned its body with its head facing the water’s edge. Only the croc’s eyes would move as it watched and waited.
The baby crocodile jumped out of the pool as soon as one of the impalas became within range, Mullineux said
The crocodile lunges at the back of an antelope as it runs away. It only takes one impala to raise the alarm for the whole herd to flee
‘In the hours I sat there, there were five attempts – but every time the impalas got away,’ he said.
One impala, pictured from a different viewpoint, leaps away from the predator while a pair of zebras stand nearby
The baby crocodile failed to catch any of the impalas during the time photographer Mullineux was at the game reserve