Tiny Mongoose Escapes the Jaws of Four Young Lions

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