Skeletons in the Mara are never this intact; hungry carnivores usually scatter bones over a pretty large area by the time they've consumed a kill. If I didn't know better, I'd think this poor wildebeest bit the dust while sunbathing or attempting to make a snow angel.
But I don't think wildebeest lust after a golden tan, and it's way too warm here for snow, so I'm pretty sure someone's tampered with the scene of the crime.
My best guess? Someone decided to use what they learned in high school anatomy and put this skeleton back together. If you've got another explanation (realistic or entertaining) for this perfect specimen, feel free to share...
Does it come alive after dark and dance around like in that old Disney cartoon? You might have a zombie wildebeest problem on your hands, there.
ReplyDeletei think the hyeans are smarter than you think..!
ReplyDeletethey have been underestimated for too long.. This was fisi anatomy class, for all the little nippers running around out there. And they must have ended school early and ran out without clearing up.
This is nothing unusual.. its well known that other predators, especially leopard and cheetah are well versed in the anatomy of prey species. I have often seen cheetah moms pointing out important aspects of prey identification to their cubs, and frankly, i think this is entirely linked to the size of the predator. Relatively speaking, hyena, leopard, and cheetah share similar size characteristics,as compared to the much larger Lion, for example.Lion need not fuss with the finer details about anatomy, they just get in there, bite into the spinal column, and that's dinner. Anyhow, i think its time for my meds. Ciao!
Nice picture Kate.
I think Andy did it.
ReplyDeleteThere must be a ninja loose on the Mara. They lurk quietly and strike swiftly.
ReplyDelete