A hyena proved it was the king scavenger after scaring a leopard away from its own prey kill three times.

Wildlife photographer Samuel was in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa, on May 25 when a call came over the radio a big cat had captured an impala nearby.

Amazing footage shows that a hyena had already wrestled the carcass away from the leopard, who stayed nearby waiting to strike back.

The leopard lunged forward baring its teeth, but despite the hyena eating, it broke away from the stolen meal and chased its rival off three times.

Sam, from Gloucestershire, UK, said: “I just felt pure adrenaline of the moment, but I was focusing on trying to capture the moment.

“The fight lasted a couple of seconds, of which the hyena won. The leopard tried to challenge the hyena again once or twice, but the result was always in the hyena winning.

“I've been a professional wildlife photographer for over a decade, photographing the flora and fauna of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and South Africa - a country I consider as a second home.

“I spent four years living in the Limpopo province of South Africa amidst the wildlife and on the doorstep of the famous Kruger National Park.

“Now I run a company called RAW Photographic, where we host photographic safaris and workshops across southern and eastern Africa.

“These trips, whilst giving incredible experiences and photographic tuition to our guests, also provide support to local conservation groups.”

A hyena proved it was the king scavenger after scaring a leopard away from its own prey kill three times.

Wildlife photographer Samuel was in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa, on May 25 when a call came over the radio a big cat had captured an impala nearby.

Amazing footage shows that a hyena had already wrestled the carcass away from the leopard, who stayed nearby waiting to strike back.

The leopard lunged forward baring its teeth, but despite the hyena eating, it broke away from the stolen meal and chased its rival off three times.

Sam, from Gloucestershire, said: “I just felt pure adrenaline of the moment, but I was focusing on trying to capture the moment.

“The fight lasted a couple of seconds, of which the hyena won. The leopard tried to challenge the hyena again once or twice, but the result was always in the hyena winning.

“I've been a professional wildlife photographer for over a decade, photographing the flora and fauna of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and South Africa - a country I consider as a second home.

“I spent four years living in the Limpopo province of South Africa amidst the wildlife and on the doorstep of the famous Kruger National Park.

“Now I run a company called RAW Photographic, where we host photographic safaris and workshops across southern and eastern Africa.

“These trips, whilst giving incredible experiences and photographic tuition to our guests, also provide support to local conservation groups.”