The fight over territory can become an ugly one at times, as proved by incredible footage of a hyena trying to drag its rival’s head under water and drown it.
A brutal video, published today but filmed in December, shows two animals battling it out for supremacy in the river at a South African game reserve.
The attacking hyena sinks its teeth into its opponent, and uses its front legs to try and push it down beneath the surface
The bloody battle in the river was filmed at Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa
‘We felt obligated to watch though, as this was fascinating, especially being a field guide and never having seen something like this before – although, not pleasant to watch.’
The mane of the hyena which is under attack has been completely ripped off, and despite its best efforts to bite back and defend itself, it fails to overpower the aggressor
Vicky Stephenson, field guide and camp manager at the game reserve, described the fight as ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’
As the attacker continues to drag its rival under the water, more cries can be heard as it desperately tries to stay afloat.
The bloody battle rumbles on towards the banks of the river, where the victim of the attack tries to stand its legs on the land and fend off a further onslaught
Unable to drown its opponent, the aggressor eventually climbs out of the water, while the injured hyena, pictured, rests its legs on the riverbank as it finally catches breath
The attacker later returned with three other hyenas and the victim was killed shortly after the fight captured on film
‘We later found out from the office that the hyena had in fact been killed after we left.’