Mongoose in the Lions' Den
Seven of us were on a Botswana camping safari, revelling in this marvellous sighting. The lions had spread out,
with one group at a water hole on our left when suddenly we noticed activity some distance to our right.
Four young lions had surrounded a tiny mongoose (below) and, like domestic cats with a mouse,
looked ready for some fun prior to snack-time.
This was an amazing picture opportunity, but unfortunately the longest lens I possessed was an 80-200mm zoom.
It wasn't clear how the mongoose got itself into this situation, but its demise appeared imminent, specially after one of the lions made a lunge for it (below).
Amazingly, the mongoose survived, emerging from the dust unscathed. Possibly the soft sand - a feature of the area - cushioned it against the attack.
The brave little critter then took a nip at one of the lion's paws and scurried away with a swift backward glance (below, circled) before disappearing into the thick bush.
You can visit the Gallery section to see more Mongoose Pictures
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