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19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Millions of flies won't stop a Spotted Hyena feasting on an elephant carcass

We came across this elephant carcass in the bush and watched for a while, as a few Black Backed Jackal tried to steal some pieces off the carcass, but they were very nervous, as a male lion, that had eaten it's fill for now, was lying nearby. After a while this Spotted Hyena arrived and got right in there, tearing pieces off the carcass, particularly at the back, where the lion had already opened up a big hole.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2021
Date Uploaded: 06.2021
Photo Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Alan Coles