A recent sighting I was fortunate to witness was that of a year-old leopard cub crossing the Sand River to reach its mother on the opposite bank. Definitely a sighting I am unlikely to see again anytime soon. With snarls at the water’s edge and hesitation to reach the other side that would have offered parental comfort, it brings me into the topic of why are most cats afraid of water?
The water leopards are usually associated with is the water they drink.
A cat’s displeasure extends to the physical sensation of being doused. An oily coat doesn’t shed water easily, making it hard for them to return to a dry, warm state quickly. Cats are also used to feeling nimble whereas in water, their motions become sluggish. The rippling of the water and reflection creates hesitation and unease. What is that reflection? What is lurking below? Cats have very acute senses and reflection can pose to be a certain danger or unfamiliarity. Many of them understand the worry for crocodiles and how they could fall prey as they enter the cold and unknown. It is not at all uncommon to see lions in particular hissing at the water as they are about to enter, in an attempt to scare away any lurking saurians.
As good a reason as any for big cats to be afraid of Africa’s waterways.
One early morning drive we were in search of the Nhlanguleni female and her two one-year old cubs. A radio call alerted us that they had been found on the southern bank of the Sand River at a crossing well known to be used by elephants. Upon arrival we noticed that one cub was on the southern bank and the other (plus the mother) was across the flowing waters on the northern bank. Rain water had filled the river up to a considerable depth and crossing for many animals would be a daunting prospect, especially a year-old leopard cub. It was inevitable that the single cub would cross, but how and when?
Constant contact calling between mother and cub across the channel told us a crossing was imminent. Snarls of discomfort as the cub’s paws entered the water delayed the crossing. Slowly but surely, after a lengthy wait, the cub entered the water, moving very cautiously. As it shifted reeds left and right it approached the bulk of the flowing water in the form of the main channel. In leaps and bounds it plunged straight into the stream to reach the other side as quickly as it could. Cameras were up and ready to capture the moment and sprays of water:
A big leap from a shallow section…
…allows for minimal water immersion…
…but getting properly wet was simply unavoidable!
One last desperate lunge for the bank!
Bewildered, the doused cub reached the other side before shaking off as much water as possible and rubbing heads with its mother and sibling to reaffirm their bond. We were also pretty dazed by how incredible the crossing had been!
It goes to show that you never know what you might experience on safari and every scene is as unique as the previous one.
Wow! Amazing experience. I watched a documentary awhile ago of lions crossing a river. The females went ahead but the cubs refused to follow. Eventually the cubs started swimming accross. A brother and sister stayed behind. They just did not want to enter the water. As it got dark they spend the night alone. The next morning the females crossed back, found the two cubs and eventually the two youngsters decided to brave the water and swam actoss with the mothers.
What an awesome photo sequence, Alex! I would love to have been there with you!
Alex, why is whenever I see your posts I would like one of your photos on my wall? Great stuff, please keep it up
Though James’ crocodile photo is also a bit of a stunner
What a wonderful sequence of photos! I really enjoyed them and the narrative. A great credit to your photographic ability!
And yet, tigers LOVE swimming, sometimes swimming vast distances, – so do certain breeds of domestic cat, notably the Turkish Van Cat. Also, on Nat Geo Wild I recently saw a jaguar plunge into a river to do battle with a caiman. I had a cat when I was on another farm that used to climb into my big outdoor ceramic sink and demand to be hosed down in hot weather – I just had to remember to run the hose-mounted tap for a while to let the water cool down! So… a clear perception of possible danger or just plain old-fashioned socio-cultural condition. Whatever – a stunning photo!
Wow, what an amazing sighting! I have been fortunate to witness lions swimming in the Okavango, but I think this must be an adaptation to habitat. My own house kitties are quick to dive for shelter when there’s even a hint of rain!
Alex, why do you suppose lions are so cautious when tigers seem to relish being in water?
Another set of stunning images Alex. I felt as though I was there watching this scaredy-cat figure out when he’d cross the River. Your writing and photography skills could draw anyone into the Londolozi circle!!
Great scot what a wonderful moment to see the young leopard get across safely. Also interesting to learn why cats don’t like getting wet, not to mention meeting a crocodile mid stream!!! Victoria
Wonderful pics, Alex! And some more for my Screensaver collection! Thank you. Wendy M