Life and death coexist in a delicate balance.
In the wild, every step could mean the difference between survival and certain Doom.
While many people are drawn to the Wilderness for its Untamed Beauty, it’s important to remember that, much like the creatures inhabiting it, the wild can be brutal and unforgiving, with danger looking around every corner.
Animals can have their life snatched from them in an instant.
What are the most brutal ways animals lose their lives?
Are apex predators safe from lethal assaults?
All your questions will be answered.
We reveal 15 most brutal ways to die in the wild.
Number 15: Zebra zebras are beauties to look at, but we are currently losing that privilege, as some species of zebras have been considered in danger due to many reasons, including human interference.
An unlucky zebra takes a wrong step and lands in the midst of crocodiles.
The Zebra’s fight is admirable, but it fights a losing battle.
One of the Crocs grabs onto the zebra’s face and tears it apart.
The poor ungulate suffers greatly in its final hours on the planet.
Lions are ferocious creatures known for making brutal killings look like an elegant sport.
A pride of lion spot their next kill for the day with a quick, hot Chase.
They catch up with the scared zebra and Surround it.
The Predators overwhelm the ungulate and there’s no chance of it escaping this Pride.
A lioness places a bite to the throat, asphyxiating the prey, while the others gnaw at its flesh.
Zebras can attain a speed of up to 40 miles per hour.
That’s less than a horse’s speed, but still impressive.
For the fastest land animal, a Zebra is a piece of cake.
A group of cheetahs hunts a zebra.
For a moment you may wonder who’s doing the chase here, the zebra or the Cheetahs?
This question is answered with the Cheetahs feasting on their Target’s flesh while one of the big cats asphyxiates it.
Number 14 Wildebeest.
Wildebeest sure have numbers on their side, with over 1.5 million of them living in the Serengeti alone.
Two lions wrestle with a wildebeest trying to end its life.
One focuses on the neck while the other focuses on the rough.
The Wildebeest is outnumbered and there’s literally can do other than except it’s fate.
Some will to be swatched from a distance as one of their buddies dies, with none stepping up to interfere.
Considering their size, Wildebeest can attain an incredible speed of 24 miles per hour, with a relatively Swift reaction time.
A crocodile swims up to a group of Wildebeest struggling to get out of the river.
Its snatches one of the mammals and drags it back into the water.
Against such a large reptile, the ungula’s Fate looks Grim.
Another Croc joins the hunt and together they bring an end to the life of the herbivore baby.
Wildebeest are quite fragile and need their mother’s presence for adequate protection from the dangers of the Wild.
A leopard ruthlessly assaults a baby wildebeest with vicious bites to the throat.
The Wildebeest tries to escape and screams for help.
The jaw of the leper delivers a lethal blow to the prey a couple of times.
The mother manages to chase off the leopard, but unfortunately the damage cannot be reversed.
Number 13.
Deer.
Deers have great senses and incredible speed to detect danger and quickly escape to preserve their lives.
For prey animals, any moment in the wild can turn into a matter of life or death.
This deer experiences this and, unfortunately, its attackers more equipped for the battle.
It’s the end of the road for the prey, as a large Eagle puts an end to its suffering with its sharp Peak and talents.
Deers are herbivores with quite a number of predators that prey on them.
While males of almost all deer species grow antlers which they use to defend themselves, Oftentimes females are left with no form of self-defense.
In a field, a deer lies on the ground, kicking its legs energetically.
Its aggressor is none other than a bobcat that has placed a rigid bite on its throat.
However, the Predator is aware of the devastating effects of the kicks, so it repositions itself on the deer’s back, ensuring its safety as it kills the herbivore.
Number 12: goat goats may be domesticated, but they do not hesitate to defend themselves when they’re backed into a corner against a Komodo dragon.
In its venom, though, they stand no chance.
A Komodo dragon is determined to have a baby goat for lunch.
The Goat tries to flee for its life, but the dragon gives Chase.
Although the Goat head butts the reptile, it’s fighting a losing battle.
Ultimately, the Komodo bites the Goat’s neck, signaling an end to the fight.
Like other ungulates, goats form herds.
These herds are called tribes, and they’re led by a female goat called The Herd Queen.
In the Kalahari Desert, a group of goats quenches their thirst in a small Watering Hole unknown to them.
A male lion approaches with its eyes dead set on one of the herbivores.
The ungulate stands no chance as the lion catches it and snaps its neck instantly.
The other goats flee to a safe distance before looking back at their dead friend.
Number 11: squirrel.
Squirrels are intelligent creatures that depend on their speed to escape Predators.
However, they sometimes get unlucky, like the squirrel in this clip, caught in the coils of a yellow rat snake.
Most non-venomous snakes tend to constrict their prey before eating it.
This squirrel has no means of escape and eventually its life will be brutally snuffed out by the snake.
Hawks are expert Hunters that are Adept at killing small Critters, from reptiles to mammals.
With a tight grip, this Hawk holds onto a squirrel and stands on it.
The Squirrel makes several attempts to escape from its vicious captor.
However, the hawk is not about to let it go.
When the squirrel’s struggles come to an end, the hawk starts digging deep into its catch.
Squirrels fall prey to a number of predators.
To prevent predation, a squirrel must always remain watchful hear.
A fox casually lies down keeping a watchful eye on a comfortable squirrel.
The small rodent searches the ground for a tasty snack.
While the fox plots the squirrel’s demise, the canine pounces on it and snuffs out its life in an instant, while a nearby deer watches in horror.
Number 10.
Rabbit rabbits are fragile creatures that are prone to Predator attacks, since they lack a worthwhile defense mechanism.
A rabbit is at the mercy of a hungry raccoon.
Although still alive, the raccoon bites deep into its flesh.
Raccoons are more concerned about getting fed and less about how best to handle prey.
The clumsy Predator continues to eat the rabbit alive, with a couple of crows trying to get a piece.
Stoats are a lot smaller than the average rabbit, yet rabbits are commonly hunted and eaten by these tiny predators.
A rabbit is viciously attacked by a stoat.
The stove locks in a bite to the base of the rabbit’s skull.
The rabbit didn’t try much to escape, other than a couple of kicks.
That knocks the Predator away.
But the rabbit is too weak to run.
The stoat returns and continues its assault.
Rabbits have a great sense of hearing that they used to determine if a predator is nearby.
In response, some predators have learned to be stealthy.
A fox spots a rabbit in the dark.
The Predator hesitates before pouncing on the unaware prey.
The Canine bites their rabbit’s head to properly incapacitate its Target.
Its jaw strength is not enough to instantly kill the prey and the rabbit almost escapes.
The Predator takes its Quarry away.
Number nine Impala.
Impalas are graceful herbivores that are readily preyed upon.
A frightened Impala rushes straight into the jaws of a lion.
Very soon, other Lions join the hunt completely surrounding the downed Antelope.
There is no conceivable path to freedom for the Impala as all Pride members tear into the small ungulate.
At least it had a swift death.
Impalas can attain a top speed of 56 miles per hour, which makes it quite easy for them to outrun most Predators.
However, when they’re distracted, they face great Danger to Impalas lock horns, unaware that danger is indeed very close to them.
A Lioness Springs out of nowhere and grabs one of the Impalas by the neck.
The other, sensing danger, quickly escapes.
The lion bites down viciously on the Impala’s neck, killing it baby.
Impalas need all the protection they can get, especially in an unforgiving wild where even the mothers are prone to immense Danger.
This calf is exposed to two Predators: a large python and a gawking Hyena.
The Python constricts the calf while the Hyena watches on, waiting for the right time to steal the calf from the grips of the Python.
After many tries, the Hyena was able to separate the now dead calf from the python and have it all to itself.
Number eight: Warthog, the common Warthog, is a distant relative of pigs with four distinctive sharp tusks which they use to defend themselves.
A leopard locks in its signature kill move a bite to the throat.
The wild pig refuses to go down easily.
It struggles and tries to fight back, but the leopard does not budge its bite in the slightest.
In the end the Warthog collapses from asphyxiation and the leopard finishes the kill.
Baby Warthogs are quite fragile and need protection of their mother, as they are easily prone to Predators at that young age.
A baby Warthog shows heart.
A lioness is on its tail, but she gets bullied off the Kill by a large male.
The male’s not interested in bestowing the warthog with a quick death.
Instead it plays with the warthog with sharp claws and teeth.
The tiny creature serves as entertainment before its death.
Although fast and formidable foes themselves, boars have been effectively hunted for a long time by both humans and larger predators.
A leopard clamps down on the throat of a warthog, while a hyena attempts to steal the prey.
The Warthog faces Danger from two formidable Predators.
The big cat refuses to let go of the catch, while the pesky Hyena won’t leave either animal alone.
The two Predators will have to fight once the prey is dead.
Number seven: cheetah.
Cheetahs are the Undisputed fastest land animal in the world.
But even these cats are not quick enough to escape death.
Two lions spot a resting cheetah and immediately start a chase.
The Lions didn’t have to chase it for long, as the unprepared cheetah easily succumbs to the attacker.
It was a shameful performance for an animal known for its incredible speed.
The lion captures it, bites down on its head and kills it.
More powerful predators are known to hunt and kill weaker predators that compete for their resources.
A leopard manages to catch a cheetah.
It locks a bite to the cheetah’s throat.
The poor cat kicks its legs in defiance, but that’s all that it can do.
After a while, the Predator stops kicking and succumbs to the attack.
As it turns out, herbivores are not the only animals that have to stay alert at all times in the wild.
Number six snake snakes are right up there with other vicious Predators feared in the wild.
However, they are not invulnerable to attacks.
In this clip, a snake eagle has a snake stuck between its talents.
Holding it tightly against the concrete, the eagle rips its catch.
Apart from the belly, the snake rides in agony at the ordeal it’s passing through.
It sure cannot escape from this certain death.
Snakes come in different shapes and sizes, with some possessing deadly venom.
However, the tables can quickly turn on the successful Hunters.
A venomous black mamba raises its head, ready to strike a mongoose, but the snake is unprepared for what’s about to hit it.
The Mongoose begins to circle the snake quickly, confusing it, and in a quick lunge it takes a bite of the snake’s head.
Almost in an instant the snake is rendered powerless and eventually dies from the bite.
There are a number of predators that specialize in killing snakes that would otherwise cause Panic to other animals.
A Secretary Bird shows the world how to deal with a snake.
Using its slender, long legs, it Stomps on the head of the reptile repeatedly.
The snake is stunned.
It has no counter to the Head smashing attacks of the Raptor.
Even if it’s not suffering from a concussion, it will still have trouble Landing an effective strike on the tall bird.
Number five: iguana.
There are about 30 species of iguanas.
Iguanas are herbivores, which makes them Prime targets for predators.
An ocelot spots a large iguana camouflaged amongst the leaves.
The cat takes a swipe at the lizard, making its Target lose its grip.
The cat immediately snatches the Fallen iguana and locks in a bite.
It has just secured a meal and it will search for the perfect spot to eat in peace.
Iguanas are prey to a host of predators like snakes, Raptors, ocelots and even other larger reptiles, just like the alligator in this video.
The gator has an adult iguana in its jaws and it seems ever so eager to end its life.
The alligator picks it up, bites hard on it and wiggles it around with its strong jaw.
The Iguana definitely cannot survive this brutal attack.
Mongooses are lightweight predators that are famous for their bold attacks on venomous snakes.
However, they do not end their violent streak there.
A mongoose makes life difficult for an iguana.
The reptile has no weapons in its Arsenal that can deter the Predator from killing it.
The Mongoose Retreats and comes back stronger.
It bites the iguana in the head, then proceeds to drag it into the bush where it will finish up.
The Kill number four: Crocodilian.
The crocodile is considered the largest in one of the most dangerous reptiles on the planet.
Although ferocious, the young crocodiles are as vulnerable as all other younglings in the wild.
Here a lioness spots a baby crocodile and goes straight for the kill in seconds.
The Lioness grabs the young crocodile and ends its life in an instant.
Other Lions move close to the hunter, but she runs off, not willing to share her prey.
Caimans are close relatives to crocodiles and alligators.
They are found in South and Central America.
A Jaguar spots one in the river and waits patiently for the perfect time to strike.
As the Cayman swims closer to the edge of the river, the Jaguar jumps in to get its prize.
It will sink its teeth deep into the Cayman skull, killing it.
Then the Predator drags it out of the river to enjoy its prize.
Crocodiles are known not to die of old age but other factors like starvation or attack from other predators.
A crocodile gets the shock of its life when a large elephant attacks it right there in its habitat.
The elephant seems to have a personal grudge against this crocodile in particular and takes out its frustration on it.
The elephant swings it around.
Ultimately, the struggling crocodile eventually dies from the series of attacks.
Number three: Hyena.
Hyenas are usually categorized as successful scavengers, but they are capable of taking down live prey, especially when they hunt as a group.
At least most times, a large male lion attacks an unfortunate hyena with malicious intent as other members of its Clan try to rescue it.
With all their numbers, the hyenas are no match for the apex predator.
The lion goes back to the down Hyena to continue its assault.
In the midst of the Clan’s resistance, it pins another one to the ground.
Siblicide is a common Trend among hyenas.
It’s where one hyena turns on its sibling, kills it and may even go ahead to feed on it.
A Hyena fights for its life as two other hyenas brutally attack it.
The bleeding Hyena screams in pain and tries to escape the death that looms over it, but the other hyenas just won’t let go.
They keep attacking it and after a long fight they eventually overpower the Hyena and end its life.
A group of hyenas working together are a force to reckon with, but when they’re alone they tend to be more susceptible to attacks.
A Hyena finds itself alone in the midst of some angry African wild dogs.
The dogs gang up on the larger Predator.
They use a curious strategy that involves damaging their targets back legs to prevent any Escape attempts.
Through the series of attacks, the Hyena still tries to fight back, but the end looks near for the unfortunate Predator number two: lion.
Lions are one of the most feared animals in the wild, but going against larger prey like buffalos alone is a risky Adventure even for lions.
The lion in this clip is tired out from trying to subdue a Buffalo.
The Buffalo takes this as an opportunity to wear down its predator or even kill it.
Using its horn.
It headbutts the lion, weakening it even more.
Eventually, some other buffaloes come around and together they end the Lion’s life.
Fights are not uncommon among male lions, and often times the conflict is about obtaining a new territory and the benefits that come with it.
An old lion is under attack by three young male lions.
The older lion has seen its best years.
Now he can’t even stand to defend itself.
The attackers are ruthless and they keep attacking the Old King until he passes away.
Even in death they still gnaw at its lifeless body.
Number one Buffalo Es are large land animals with incredibly sharp horns, which serve as their primary defense mechanism against predators.
A bunch of Buffaloes get attacked by a hunting tiger desperate for a kill.
With a quick reflex, the targeted Buffalo tries to fend off the tiger with its horn, but it was too late.
The tiger grabs onto its neck, throwing the large animal to the ground with intense Force.
The other Buffalo succeeded chasing off the Tiger, but the damage is already done.
The average Buffalo weighs over 700 pounds.
Their ridiculous size often keeps them off the radar of smaller predators.
The Komodo dragon, a 154 pound expert Hunter, attacks a buffalo, taking a few bites at its hind leg.
The Komodo dragon has injected a deadly poison into the Target that slowly kills it.
With its sharp sense of smell, it can track down its prey to Feast on its remains.
When buffaloes move in a large herd, they can be exceptionally threatening to any predator that dares to attack them.
That is why lions prefer to isolate buffaloes before killing them.
A Buffalo attempts to chase off a male lion that is hell-bent on killing it, the herbivores Bluff, does nothing other than prolong its inevitable demise.
The Predator brings the ungula down and bites down on its hindquarters, the hunters, soon joined by three big male lions who help with the kill.
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