Monday, May 7, 2012

Out of the Jurisdiction: Leopard in Motswari


Here is the fifth and last of the Big Five.  Watching this leopard was the highlight of four days of South African game drives for me.

This three year old leopard had killed an impala and then struggled with wild dogs and hyenas over the carcass.  Eventually the leopard dragged the impala into this tree so the other predators couldn't steal it. 

I am scheduled to depart tomorrow, but will probably need a day or two to get organized before I post Hartford photos again.  Thanks for visiting while I have been away.

24 comments:

Kate said...

The penetrating gaze is hypnotizing. I'm glad that your camera allows you take take photos from a safe distance. Your big 5 photos are awesome.

Luis Gomez said...

Wow! Awesome picture Jack!

Karl said...

WOW, what a gorgeous picture, Jack.

Halcyon said...

Uh oh... looks like I've missed a few shots here. I had a feeling when you said you'd be away for awhile that you were going to Africe. :)
Beautiful wildlife shots. What a treat to see these animals up close and in person. Hope you have a safe journey home.

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

Magnificent. On our trip to Tanzania, we saw 4 of the big 5, but did not see a leopard.

Sharon said...

What an incredible photo of a magnificent animal! Nicely done. Safe Travels!

Michelle said...

I love the look on its face! What a beautiful animal.

Sylvia K said...

What an awesome capture, Jack! And such a gorgeous animal! I love his face and eyes -- they seem to say, "don't let my smile fool you and don't mess with me! Fantastic!! Look forward to having you back online and being able to enjoy more of your wonderful posts/photos!

Sylvia

Unknown said...

Very definitely Nat Geo quality!!! What an amazing trip you had!

SRQ said...

Fantastic. I agree with Cathy -- this is National Geographic material, Jack. (Once settled back in here state-side, you really need to discuss a bump in pay with the Editor-in-Chief at HDP). I love the look in the leopard's eys..his parted lips...and the impala skin under his clutches up in the tree. Enlarge and frame this one!

Lois Evensen said...

Gorgeous animal!

Lorelle said...

Amazing and beautiful!

Valladolid Daily Photo said...

I am very very jealous of the trip you are doing, but in a kind way LOL... Have a good trip back, Jack!

RedPat said...

What a beauty! Such patterning! Fabulous shot Jack!

jennyfreckles said...

Fantastic photos - looks like you were very fortunate in what you saw and managed to capture through your lens. I've missed a few days of reading blogs too but it's good to catch up.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Yow, it looks like you came eyeball to eyeball with this cat. Tell me you were using a long lens. Andwhat kind, pray tell?

Lynette said...

This entire series is fantastic, Jack. I can't imagine getting to see all of these animals in person, where they actually live. Wow!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous photo, Jack!

Regina K said...

Wow, this would be a trip of a lifetime for me. Stunning shot, looks like you were standing at the bottom of the tree asking the leopard to smile.

Valerie said...

Magnificent creature and a great shot Jack. You'll clearly have a bagfull of memories from this trip!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Purrrrrrrfect image Jack!

Stefan Jansson said...

You need to frame this.

Halcyon said...

You got some fantastic shots, Jack! I'm really impressed. :)

nikinpos said...

Really beautiful! Lucky you to have seen such wonders up close..