Felids Interactions - Interspecific Conflicts

[Pckts]

‎Vibhas Bhatnagar
27th May 2018 (Afternoon Safari)

We were at Phoota Banda - Zone 2 Ranthambore National Park, busy shooting activities of T-39 (Noor) & her 2 sub adult female cubs. We felt quite lucky that we got such a close sighting and for nearly an hour. But we didn’t know that there was a Jackpot in store for us that day.

To our greatest surprise; amidst of Sambar, Cheetal & peacock calls, comes A Sloth Bear from the hillock to quench it’s thirst to the same water hole in which Noor & cubs were resting. Suddenly there was an EYE to EYE contact between Bear & one of Noor’s daughter who immediately snarled giving a warning to black beast to stay away. This chap didn’t paid heed to this threatening and moved ahead to have a sip. The snarl turned to roar which was countered by this massive black beauty with a roar standing on his hind feet. But, then he noticed Noor as well sitting behind, echoing a growl to her daughters snarl. The bear changed strategy and moved away…… You think he fled…NO WAY….
He changed the course and charged at Noor’s second daughter who was resting outside the pool under the tree. The attack was so hardnosed that this poor sub adult left with no choice then to move out of the way in haste. This made Noor furious and she as well came out of the pool to give cover.
WHAT A MASTER STROKE……….. I Believe this Beast wanted Noor to move out of the pool; as Noor & her cub covered nearly the entire pool and now with Noor moving out of the pool large area of pool was unprotected. He waited for a while for Noor to settle down and as she stabilized;
HE CAME BACK; QUENCHED HIS THIRST AND MOVED ON ………..VICTORIOUS!!!!!
(Hope these 8 photographs could help picturize this entire sequence)

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