Lions attack Wild Dogs with very small puppies on their way to new den


 

African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves, are highly social and protective animals that choose their dens carefully—typically selecting secluded spots that offer safety and concealment for their pups. However, denning near roads carries significant risks, including disturbances from human activity, threats from passing vehicles, and increased visibility to predators.

In one such case in the Kruger National Park, a pair of adult wild dogs had chosen to den near the Satara–Tshokwane road, just south of Nkaya Pan, close to the Satara Rest Camp. They were raising a litter of ten pups. While den sites are often changed to avoid detection by predators or due to persistent human presence, moving dens is a vulnerable time for wild dog packs.

When these two adults began relocating their ten pups—likely in response to disturbances—they had to move them directly along the tar road. The pups’ vocalizations made the move particularly noisy and conspicuous. Unfortunately, the commotion attracted the attention of two hyenas, who began trailing the group. While the adults were busy trying to fend off the hyenas, the pups were left momentarily exposed.

This brief lapse was enough for three sub-adult male lions to exploit the situation. Taking advantage of the distraction, the lions attacked the vulnerable pups. At least two were killed in the assault, while the rest scattered in panic. Lions typically do not eat wild dogs; instead, such attacks are often acts of competition. As both species hunt similar prey, lions may kill wild dogs to reduce competition for food, rather than for sustenance.

The adult wild dogs tried to defend their young, but the overwhelming threat from the lions made losses inevitable. Once the lions had moved off, the two adults immediately began searching for the scattered pups—vocalizing loudly and combing the area in an attempt to reunite the family. Wild dogs are known for their persistence in such searches, often continuing to look for missing pups for a day or longer.

Sadly, by the time we left the sighting, the adults had not yet succeeded in locating the missing pups.

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