These irate creatures were clearly displeased with a pack of wild dogs invading their territory.
Captured by game ranger Tristan Dicks in South Africa early in the morning—right at peak feeding time—the series of photos shows the wild dogs chasing an impala into the water, riling up the resting hippos.
Head to Head: A fearless wild dog faces off in a tense standoff with a powerful hippopotamus.
The hippos held their ground at the watering hole for over two hours, until the dogs were finally able to organize and secure their hard-earned meal.
Although the impala did not survive its attempt to escape the canines, the scene provided a remarkable spectacle for onlookers.
Tristan, 26, who has been photographing wildlife for four years while working as a game ranger at Sabi Sand Game Reserve, said, “We witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime event and the incredible willpower of animals.”
Intruders: The pod of hippos was enjoying a peaceful wallow when the pack of dogs chased an impala into their section of the river.
Oi, you lot! A hippo swims in, roaring its disapproval, but the dogs remain focused on their meal
Here comes trouble: The furious hippos swim in to confront the wild dogs.
What are you doing here: The irate hippo emerges from the water to challenge one of the dogs.
“Prey animals, like the impala, often use water as a refuge from predators.
“The dogs attempted to swim after the impala, creating a disturbance that agitated the hippos.
“Hippos can be extremely territorial and will defend their area if they perceive a threat from predators.
“What makes this encounter unusual is that interactions between hippos and wild dogs are rare since hippos are not typically preyed upon by wild dogs.”
Get the message: The hippo bellows its disapproval at one of the intruders
Now move along: The formidable hippos were clearly displeased with the dogs lounging in their territory.
The hippo lumbers out of the river to confront the wild dogs, who, incredibly, seem unfazed by its presence.
Causing a stir: The charging beast finally grabs the attention of the wild dogs.
Now move along: The hippos manage to chase off one of the wild dogs, but the pack refuses to leave until they reclaim the impala.
“The only reason these animals crossed paths was the impala’s desperate attempt to seek refuge in the water.
“Animals will go to great lengths to survive, so these struggles do happen, but witnessing them is a rare occurrence.
“Wild dogs are endangered, and spotting them on safari is a rarity in itself.”
The South African photographer credited luck for capturing the scene.
Tristan said, “It was all about being in the right place at the right time. The more you’re out there, the better your chances of catching rare moments like this.
“Having reliable equipment helps too, and my trusty Canon didn’t disappoint!”