Python Constricts Leopard As It Fights Back!

What an unbelievable sighting of a Leopard and a Python in a full-on brawl for survival. In the wild, it comes down to “survival of the fittest”, and with these two very diverse species going head to head, this action-filled sighting kept the visitors on the edge of their seats!

“On the 12th of October, we had guests all the way from the USA staying at &Beyond Kichwa Tembo camp in the Mara Triangle. On a private afternoon Safari drive with the guests and our guide, Oscar Taiwa, Mike and Suzie Moll seemed to enjoy the bush and the sightings of the animals. We got to an area where we came across a leopard who seemed curious about something in the grass. Knowing that the leopard could be preparing for the hunt, the guide stopped the vehicle and we watched for a while. Between the bushes - the hidden creature became clear into view and we realized that this leopard took an interest in a HUGE African Rock Python!”

“It wasn’t long after we spotted the Python when a full-on battle broke out between these 2 amazing animals. Initially, it was a feeling of surprise for everybody as this kind of sighting is just so rare! For a moment it seemed like the leopard lost the battle when the Python started wrapping its coils around the leopard in an attempt to suffocate it, but with miraculous agility, the Leopard managed to free itself and jump out of reach, biting and clawing at the Python. Each of these creatures met each other’s fierce combat strategy to survive, but they knew that there will be only one ultimate survivor.”

“In the end, the Python was defeated with numerous puncture wounds on its body, especially on its head area. The leopard also had injuries with an obvious wound to the right front paw which could be clearly seen as it limped away from the scene. I have never experienced an encounter quite like this before and it was also a first for our guide Oscar!”

“As with any leopard sighting in the Mara, the sighting spot got very busy very quickly, so you can imagine the excitement amongst the guests but most notably the guides. This was really such a unique sighting and we’re very lucky to have also caught it on video."

To license the footage:

Get some of our exclusive specials at the Kruger National Park (Free nights):

Snapchat: LatestSightings
Twitter & Instagram: @LatestKruger

[danielchiang]

The Leopard is so confident and not afraid of the Python at all. From this interaction, we can tell that this Leopard has already encountered Pythons before. This Leopard knows how to deal with the Pythons.

[teaaet]

The leopard used a jumping technique to avoid the python's ability to wrap around it's prey. What a masterful hunter the leopard is.

[CanariasCanariass]

That women totally misunderstood what was going on.
She asked: "why is he not running?"
The answer is because that Leopard was hunting the snake and going to eat it, not the other way around lol

[danfallows]

Tourists- "OMG this leopard is about to die"

Leapard- "I guess snake sounds good for dinner"

[PlanetBlake]

The term, "cat like reflexes", is being displayed brilliantly here.

[appscammers]

The way this leopard dodged them loops he has mastered the Fung fu master

[thedailyremedy]

You can tell this Leopard grew up with 2 brothers, one a bit stronger than him and a father who let them wrestle jujitsu for an adequate amount of time, which is rare in todays 20th century’s leoparding with the ever growing need to create safe spaces. In fact so much time was allowed for play this leopard was able to incorporate a few rare manoeuvres passed down through his family lineage. Incredible form on the Rumble up, followed by a solid 3 tap paw plough, but what really impressed me was the timing and execution of that Snap Lock Roll Over summersault. 🤩

[blAfriCan_aMeriCan]

These tourists thought the leopard was a gonner but these animals are amazing hunters and I'm glad these ppl learned something new today. 🐆🐍

[corners]

You can tell that leopard has fought pythons before.Soon as the snake got a loop on it it jumped out of it at all costs.

[antoniomontana]

"Why is he not running?"
For the same reason you wouldn't run from a BBQ when all the food is ready.

[NaturalMarvels]

Title description would be more acurate as, "large snake Kinda-sorta constricts leopard, while having face bitten off."

[lalithamichael]

Please don't ever underestimate a leopard! They're amazing!

[miltonnavaia]

"Why he is not running?"
Because he is the hunter and not the prey

[francoislechanceux]

''The Python's got him''
No, ma'am, the python is already dead.

[brianenrique]

Python: "Now I've got you in my grip...you'll NEVER get away!!"

Leopard: "DO A BARRELL ROLL!!"

[gbboomer]

People: "Great defense by the leopard!"

Me: that just looked like how my cat is plays at home lol

[hyedefinition]

0:40 that roll to get seperation from the snake was picture perfect martial arts.

[joncolunga]

The way the Leopard was tumbling around as to not get constricted was impressive.

[BulkingSmeagol]

Beautiful! the leopard knew exactly what he was doing and when to get out of the pyton's grip. Not once was he in danger.

[gilsonsilva-gs]

Além dos reflexos apurados, a técnica que o leopardo usou para evitar que a píton o sufocasse foi simplesmente incrível.