Cat Fishing: Leopard Gets Covered In Mud Catching Its Fish Supper

Photo credits: Abel Coelho / Greatstock / Barcroft Media

A leopard leaps into a muddy waterhole to catch a fish on August 13, 2015, in the Savuti Channel in Botswana.

Photo credits: Abel Coelho / Greatstock / Barcroft Media

The spotted predator stood poised waiting for a fish to appear – before leaping in ferociously with lightening reflexes. Coated in a layer of thick dark mud the big cat emerged from the water clutching the fish in its jaws. The fishing leopards of Savuti are known for their unique skills in catching fish – but have rarely been photographed.

Photo credits: Abel Coelho / Greatstock / Barcroft Media

This sighting was captured by 57-year-old, electrical engineer, Abel Coelho, while on a photographic safari with Earth Ark Safaris in the region.

Photo credits: Abel Coelho / Greatstock / Barcroft Media

Abel said: “Our guide got a tip off there was a leopard in the Hippo Pool area, so off we went to investigate.”

Photo credits: Abel Coelho / Greatstock / Barcroft Media

“We did observe catfish in the pool, but the idea of the leopard fishing seemed very remote at that point in time. The leopard made its way into the channel and towards the pool, in typical cat fashion, half stealth, half nonchalant, un-rushed, every now and then it would gaze intently into the pool…”

Photo credits: Abel Coelho / Greatstock / Barcroft Media

“Cautiously the leopard entered the pool, appearing to not really enjoy the muddy conditions, made its way to the centre paused for a brief moment, and in a flash lunged into the quagmire”

Photo credits: Abel Coelho / Greatstock / Barcroft Media

“During the whole episode and for a little while after there was silence – we were in disbelief, awe, and felt a sense of exhilaration.”

Photo credits: Abel Coelho / Greatstock / Barcroft Media

The leopard climbs out of the muddy hole – fish in mouth

Photo credits: Abel Coelho / Greatstock / Barcroft Media

Via The Telegraph