Journalist Andrew Fernando posted several videos of an amazing leopard encounter at the Yala National Park today.
Video : Andrew Fernando & Ravindu Shamal
Crazy amazing leopard encounter at Yala National Park today. Thread here.
We were on our way out of the park on the main trunk road when we saw this adult male (known as Julius), chilling in this tree. Watched him for a good 20mins as he rested. pic.twitter.com/PW7Xt72uMC
— Andrew Fidel Fernando (@afidelf) February 1, 2021
Stalks the buffalo along the edge of the road for several minutes, coming out close to the road to get a sighter, then ducking back into cover as he closes the distance. pic.twitter.com/PTKcmvP9le
— Andrew Fidel Fernando (@afidelf) February 1, 2021
But he bides his time, continuing to stalk the herd, until a calf is in striking distance. The attack.
(This video is by our tracker Ravindu Sahimal. I was too stunned to even think about recording this part.) pic.twitter.com/kPnklajtJe
— Andrew Fidel Fernando (@afidelf) February 1, 2021
In the end, the buffalo force him off for good and he retreats into a tree. The calf is hurt -back/shoulder area is cut up and bloody.
When we spot the leopard later, he’s hurt as well. A horn has pierced him near his hind leg.
Both the leopard and the calf can walk normally.
— Andrew Fidel Fernando (@afidelf) February 1, 2021