Martial Eagles Hunt Lion Cubs in Maasai Mara

^{Photo: Jess Lefcourt}

In the Maasai Mara, martial eagles are proving that even lion cubs aren’t completely safe at the top of the food chain.

These massive birds, with wingspans over six feet, are known for their impressive hunting skills, but researchers have now documented them snatching up lion cubs—a pretty shocking twist in the predator hierarchy.

While they usually hunt everything from small mammals to antelope, it turns out they won’t pass up an easy meal if a young cub is left vulnerable.

There have been cases where these eagles followed a pride for weeks, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

In one instance back in 2012, a martial eagle managed to take out three lion cubs over time.

It’s a rare sight, but it goes to show that in the wild, nothing is guaranteed—even the kings of the jungle sometimes end up as prey.

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• Martial Eagles Hunt Lion Cubs in the Maasai Mara (article)