Cameron Schmidt filmed this dramatic footage and sent it to Latest Sightings. He witnessed the incident at Pumba Game Reserve, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Efficient predators
Compared to many other large predators, cheetahs are quite successful hunters. While leopards only succeed in about 40% of their attempts, cheetahs boast a success rate exceeding 50%.
This figure increases when they hunt in groups. So, when two young cheetahs set off in pursuit of an adult blesbok, their chances of securing their next meal looked promising.
Close call
As predators and prey streaked across the open plain, one of the cheetahs managed to briefly hook its claws into the antelope’s rump.
However, the blesbok managed to slip out of its clutches. But the chase was far from over.
At this point, it was a question of whether the antelope would outlast the predator’s limited stamina. Cheetahs can only maintain their top speed for around 400 metres.
Second time lucky?
Only a few strides later, the cheetah made another grab at the blesbok. This time, it looked like they would be successful.
As the first cat dug its claws into the antelope’s flanks, the second moved in to assist. Having achieved this, the first cheetah tried to get at the blesbok’s throat.
But, this proved to be easier said than done, as the antelope bucked and fought to escape their clutches.
Hold on tight
Slowly but surely, the cheetah got closer to the antelope’s throat while its partner held on for dear life.
Meanwhile, the blesbok was showing no signs of giving up. As they fought to subdue their prey, the cheetahs had to be careful not to be trodden on. An injury now could have devastating consequences.
Gripped by the throat
Although the cheetah did eventually manage to secure an all-important grip on the antelope’s throat, the ram continued to fight.
What happened next is, unfortunately, not recorded. Somehow, the blesbok managed to get free of the cheetah that was holding onto its neck.
With that, it had a shot at surviving this harrowing encounter. Still full of fight, the desperate antelope made to escape the predators once and for all.
Initially, it looked like it might not get very far. The cheetah was right behind it, ready to once again sink its inch-long claws into the ram’s hindquarters.
Second cheetah goes AWOL
However, there was no sign of the second cheetah. The outcome of the hunt was now on a knife-edge.
Without the assistance of its partner, would the tiring cheetah have either the stamina or strength left to deal with the still-strong antelope?
As it happened, it did not. With every stride, the blesbok increased the distance between itself and the visibly flagging predator.
After what can only be described as a very close call, the antelope had twice managed to escape the grasp of the predators. And this time around, it would ensure that this would not be a case of third-time lucky.