Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Stolen Prize

After patiently waiting for hours while cheetahs finished their meal, I witnessed a hyena seize its opportunity to scavenge. Grabbing a piece of bone, it dashed towards the safety of a nearby bush to hide its prize in the Maasai Mara on August 5, 2024. The scene was a testament to the hyena’s cunning and survival instincts, showcasing the intricate dynamics of the savannah’s food chain. Capturing this fleeting moment was a stroke of luck, as it required both patience and the perfect timing to frame the hyena in motion, carrying its hard-earned meal.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Yoshiki Nakamura