Unable to mind its own business, the honey badger repeatedly picked a fight with the oryx who used its horns to fling it sky-high.
This unique and exciting sighting was captured by Dirk Theron while on a photographic safari in Etosha National Park.


“We were actually discussing going back to camp, as there was not much time left before the gate closed. I was about to turn the vehicle around when I noticed something moving in the distance. It did not take me long to recognize the way the animal moved and with great excitement, I announced ‘Honey Badger!’”
“This fella was about to put on quite a show. It all happened so rapidly and was over in a few short minutes. You can spend years in the wild and never see anything like this. This is what I love about travelling in Southern Africa.
“These animals are short-tempered and don’t hesitate to take on anything that gets in their way. The type of behaviour that was displayed here is really not uncommon, however, this Badger very narrowly escaped, as the Oryx (Antelope) could have effortlessly impaled the Badger.”
“This Badger would just simply charge at the Oryx, who would basically headbutt the Badger into the ground. He simply took a step back, hooked the Badger between its horns, and tossed him high into the air. The first time it happened I thought the Badger was dead, but it just shook itself off and charged again continuously. Eventually, the Oryx grew tired and just ran off.”
“It is impossible for me to say, however, it is speculated that this animal might have had rabies. One of the reasons we say this, is because although it appears to drink, it was not really drinking. Among other things, rabies affects the muscles, making it impossible for the animal to swallow.”
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