A showdown in the muddy shallows of a Kenyan river, the carcass of a dead elephant the prize.
This pack of lions was snapped taking on an angry crocodile in a vicious fight over food – after it dared enter their territory.
Spotted narrowly avoiding the reptile’s snapping jaws, the formidable foes are seen competing head-to-head in an epic battle for feeding rights.
Desperate to keep their meal and also fearful for the safety of their cubs, the lions began to drive the beast away by clawing and biting at its armoured legs.
Snapback: The crocodile spins round trying to bite the lion (
Seen battling it in Samburu, Africa, the croc eventually admitted defeat and retreated to the safety of deeper waters.
Taken from the safety of a safari van, Vietnamese photographer, Hung Ta, 50, was raced to the scene by his tour guide after hearing of the altercation over the vehicles radio.
Hung Ta said: “As soon as we heard that there might be a fight between two big predators we rushed to the scene.
“For a while there was a Mexican standoff with neither making the first move but I believe the lion was fearing for the safety of its cubs and made the first move.
“It wasn’t long before other lions moved in and began to claw and bite at the legs of the crocodile all the while making sure to stay clear of its huge jaws.
“The crocodile actually tried to get closer for a second time but was soon overwhelmed so it backed off.
“It was amazing to see the fight happen, it’s not very often these two predators fight and neither animal underestimated its opponent.”
