Why Are Lions Afraid of Cheetah Cubs? 🐆😱🦁

Why are lions afraid of cheetah cubs? Even though cheetah cubs are among the most vulnerable young animals in Africa, they have a unique mane on their backs during the first few months of their lives.

This mane, which adult cheetahs lack, features special patterns that, from a distance, make the cubs resemble honey badgers rather than cheetahs. However, all predators in Africa know that honey badgers are ferocious creatures that attack anything in their path, often targeting vital areas like the throat or genitals. For this reason, even aerial hunters like eagles hesitate to approach cheetah cubs. By the time the mane disappears, the cheetah has already developed its signature speed.