Hyenas might hunt in big packs, but more often, individual animals go out hunting alone. They select a victim and start a chase, sometimes joined by other hyenas to bring down the prey together.

However, when prey is scarce, hyenas regularly form large hunting groups in the evening to target bigger prey, such as zebras. They might also try to isolate buffalo calves from the herd. In fact, when the migration has left the Mara, buffalo calves make up a significant part of the hyena’s diet.

A weak buffalo calf may not be able to keep up with the herd. Hyenas monitor buffalo herds, waiting for such opportunities.

The mother stays with its young and tries to defend it, but the agile hyenas can engage in this cat-and-mouse game for hours, while the heavy buffalo soon becomes exhausted.

The hyenas easily avoid the furious cow until the mother finally must abandon its calf.

Spotted hyenas have a very interesting and highly complicated social system, but that is another story…