Documented in these compelling photographs is a group of hungry crocodiles executing a strategic maneuver to outsmart a herd of impala, ultimately succeeding in seizing a baby impala in its powerful jaws.
This vulnerable young impala entered the world in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, where a recent drought has left the animals grappling to locate sufficient water sources. Karen van Damme, a 53-year-old wildlife photographer from Johannesburg, was present to capture the heart-wrenching moment when the youngster, in search of a drink, discovered water but proved too slow to evade the lurking crocodile beneath the surface.
Quick attack: The crocodile launches itself out of the muddy watering hole before snapping up the startled baby impala in its jaws
Victory: The crocodile was seen dragging its prey back into the water as the rest of the herd looked on in shock in Kruger National Park
“Finding Solitude in Feeding: After fending off other crocodiles, this agile predator swiftly transported the impala carcass to a nearby watering hole for a peaceful meal.
Photographer Karen van Damme elaborated on the challenging conditions in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, where the animals, notably thin due to dropping new offspring, struggle to find nourishment amidst sparse greenery and diminished rivers reduced to large puddles. The crocodiles gather in these dwindling water sources, creating a precarious situation for other animals during drinking times. Despite several unsuccessful attempts to capture an impala, a decisive moment unfolded as an inexperienced baby impala ventured too far into the water, unaware of the nearby crocodile.
A larger crocodile patiently seized the opportunity, capturing the impala by its hind leg. Subsequently, the predator dragged its prey into the water, attempting to subdue it by rolling and pulling it under the murky surface.”
Unsuspecting: The thirsty impala were photographed sipping on water from the shallow pond in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
Hidden danger: Some of the animals appeared unaware that they were just inches away from crocodiles lurking beneath the water
First strike: The photographer watched as the crocodile tried to catch the herd off guard, prompting them to leap out of the way to safety
Startled: The impala jump several feet into the air as they spring out of the reach of the crocodile, which is seen among the mud and dirt
Lightning-fast reaction: Within moments, the impala are seen bounding away from the crocodile-infested watering hole
Unlucky one: Eventually the crocodile is able to find a baby impala, who is not old enough to know about the dangers of crocodiles
Dramatic: Mud splatters into the air as the crocodile launches itself out of the water and clamps down on the impala as it tries to escape
Last chance: Determined not to give up, the impala is seen scrambling on the banks of the river as it tries to flee from the starving croc
‘The crocs in the nearby waterholes all flocked to the croc with the impala and there was a fight over the baby impala. The croc then managed to leave the water hole with his kill and escape to the nearby waterhole to eat in peace.
‘I felt really sorry for the thirsty impalas as the temperatures there were going well into the 40C range. The impala were literally trying to dodge between crocs to drink and the crocs kept changing their position to try outwit the impala.
‘After an unsuccessful attempt by the croc, the impala would go back to the spot and lean towards the croc top see what it was. The mother of the dead baby was bleating and calling for her baby.
‘I was amazed at how curious the impala were as they went straight back to the spot where the croc leapt out at them, to have a better look at what the croc was.’
Prey: The crocodile drags the impala down into the mud after winning the struggle on the shores of the watering hole
Into the deep: The impala is brought down into the thick mud, where it looses its battle with the crocodile and quickly dies
Final bid for freedom: The impala lifts its head out of the muddy water as it takes its final breaths before succumbing to the crocodile
Going under: Just the last tufts of hair are seen on the rump of the impala as it is dragged beneath the water by the powerful crocodile
Feeding frenzy: Within moments, other crocodiles start to move in on the kill – determined to have a bite of the young impala
Not enough to share: The crocodiles are determined to sink their teeth into the young impala and continue to thrash around in the water
Circling the prey: As the other crocodiles continue to tussle in the water, the victorious animal is seen swimming over to the shoreline
Eating alone: Not wanting to share its hard-earned meal, the crocodile is seen dragging the impala to a nearby watering hole to eat