Leopards are one of the few big cats that have the ability to climb down trees head first. This young lady was heading back out on the prowl after feasting on an impala that she had dragged up into the tree earlier in the day. By keeping their kills on a high branch, leopards are able to avoid run ins with non-climbing scavengers like hyenas. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (at 200mm), ISO 800, f/2.8 at 1/200th of a second
Amazing shot! Love how the right-side whiskers stand-out against the dark bark. And you were able to get that close with the 200mm? Were you on foot or in a vehicle? Not that any vehicle could outrun a leopard, but at least it could provide a get-a-way and some protection. Or are these cats used to being photographed?
Hey Rachel, yes I was close, but also in a safari vehicle. Lions, leopards and cheetahs view vehicles as part of the landscape and for the most part ignore them as if they aren’t even there. Cheetahs, in fact, will sometimes jump up onto the front hood of a vehicle to get a better view of the savanna. A rhino on the other hand chased our vehicle around in circles at one point before we made a narrow escape.
Very cool. Nice contrast between leopard pattern and tree bark. Her position looks physically impossible. But hey, I’ve never witnessed a leopard in a tree, what do i know?
Hi, Sean,
I enjoy looking at every photo you have posted.
One dumb question, how did you manage to take a picture like this? I mean, aren’t you afraid that Leopard would attack you since you were fairly close to her?
Thanks. I appreciate it. But no, not afraid because leopards and other big cats pay very little attention to people on safari. Vehicles become part of the landscape and the cats don’t see them as a threat. Not that there are a lot of vehicles. We were the only ones at this particular location.
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Amazing shot! Love how the right-side whiskers stand-out against the dark bark. And you were able to get that close with the 200mm? Were you on foot or in a vehicle? Not that any vehicle could outrun a leopard, but at least it could provide a get-a-way and some protection. Or are these cats used to being photographed?
Hey Rachel, yes I was close, but also in a safari vehicle. Lions, leopards and cheetahs view vehicles as part of the landscape and for the most part ignore them as if they aren’t even there. Cheetahs, in fact, will sometimes jump up onto the front hood of a vehicle to get a better view of the savanna. A rhino on the other hand chased our vehicle around in circles at one point before we made a narrow escape.
Very cool. Nice contrast between leopard pattern and tree bark. Her position looks physically impossible. But hey, I’ve never witnessed a leopard in a tree, what do i know?
Wow. What a beautiful animal. Love this one Crane!
Hi, Sean,
I enjoy looking at every photo you have posted.
One dumb question, how did you manage to take a picture like this? I mean, aren’t you afraid that Leopard would attack you since you were fairly close to her?
Thanks. I appreciate it. But no, not afraid because leopards and other big cats pay very little attention to people on safari. Vehicles become part of the landscape and the cats don’t see them as a threat. Not that there are a lot of vehicles. We were the only ones at this particular location.
What a beauty!
What a beautiful shot! You never disappoint!
hello, great pic. that must tAKE A LOT OF SHILL ON THE CAT PART TO COME DOWN TREE, LIKE THAT.
You have a great eye! As another poster said and I’ll second that…”You never disappoint!”
Thanks Phyllis. NIce to hear.