In an unexpected twist, a cheetah abandoned its hunt after its prey suddenly turned around and chased it off.
The incident occurred in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, where the predator had been closing in on a wild dog or bat-eared fox, only to be startled by the animal’s bold counterattack.
Instead of becoming the cheetah’s next meal, the much smaller prey managed to turn the situation in its favor, forcing the big cat to retreat with its tail between its legs. The remarkable encounter was captured by photographer Jorge Alescano, 42, from Spain.
“It was as if the dog decided it wouldn’t be lunch. It was amazing to witness,” Alescano shared. He noted the surprising nature of the cheetah’s reaction, saying, “The dog would have been an easy meal if the cheetah had continued the chase, but for some reason, it stopped.”
After briefly throwing the cheetah off balance, the smaller animal went on the offensive, chasing away the larger predator.
Alescano described the scene as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” and marveled at the rare display of courage from the cheetah’s intended prey.
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