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A bloodied yet determined honey badger returns to finish off a Cape porcupine, which earlier had tried to defend itself.

Found throughout Botswana, honey badgers are famously ferocious. They often chase animals many times their own size.

This honey badger got an unpleasant surprise when it attacked the normally nocturnal Cape porcupine.

The badger grabbed the porcupine’s right leg. In defence, the porcupine repeatedly backed into its attacker, piercing it with many quills.

During a lull in the attack, the porcupine managed to shuffle away, its leg badly damaged.

After a short retreat, the bloodied badger returned. It finished off the porcupine under a bush close to the original attack then dragged it into its underground den.


Behind the lens

David Northall

UK

Image details

  • Nikon Z9
  • 100-400mm f5.5 lens at 400mm
  • 1/2000 at f5.5  •   ISO 360
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