Wild Showdowns: Who Wins in the Ultimate Animal Battles?

In the wild, animals fight over mating, food, territory, and to protect their young. Even when living in the same environment, not all animals fight each other.

We couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if these animals interacted on the battlefield. Let’s look at how some formidable animals in the wild might do in a matchup based on their skills and strengths.

1. Tiger vs. Lion

Tigers are found in Asia, while most lions primarily live in Africa. While there are some Asiatic lions, they live in a different habitat than tigers — so they wouldn’t cross paths.

Both tigers and lions are apex predators at the top of their respective food chains. Both are in the big cat category and share certain traits. They each have sharp, powerful, retractable claws.

While tigers are solitary hunters, lions work together in groups to attack their prey. And while the bite of a lion is stronger, tigers have the advantage of being faster, larger, and more muscular. Tigers can also fight while standing on their back legs, while lions rarely do and aren’t as adept. This enables tigers to strike an opponent from above.

Winner: Tiger

2. Elephant vs. Rhino

Elephants and rhinos are herbivores that typically avoid confrontation, though fighting has occurred on occasion.

The rhino is heavy and large, but there’s no land animal that comes close to the size of an elephant. With a horn and thick skin serving to protect them, rhinos don’t have many natural predators.

But the elephant has tusks. Tusks are utilized for gathering food, digging holes, stripping tree bark, and are an effective weapon for defense. An elephant can use its tusks to push, lift, or gore a rhino that tries to threaten it.

Winner: Elephant

3. Crocodile vs. Hippo

Co-existing in the rivers of sub-Saharan Africa, these two animals do encounter each other.

While crocodiles are stealthy ambushers, possessing a powerful bite, hippos are the deadliest land animal — killing an estimated 500 people each year. Although hippos are herbivores and don’t consume meat, they will kill other animals if they feel threatened. They have giant mouths with self-sharpening teeth — and incisors and canines that grow to over a foot in length.

While crocodiles are stealthy, they can’t take down a hippo unless it’s already injured.

Winner: Hippo

4. Great White Shark vs. Killer Whale

Great white sharks and killer whales (orcas) are ocean dwellers. While great whites prefer warmer temperatures, orcas thrive in cooler water. However, there have been occasions when both were spotted in the same area.

Killer whales are stronger, bigger, smarter, and can swim faster than great white sharks. So, while great whites are dominant predators, they’re outmatched by the orca. There’s even footage of an orca hunting and killing a great white — off the coast of South Africa’s Mossel Bay. Orcas target sharks for their nutrient-dense livers, which comprise up to a third of their body weight.

Winner: Killer Whale

5. Polar Bear vs. Grizzly Bear

Polar bears and grizzly bears both live in cold environments. Polar bears can be found in parts of Russia, Norway, and Greenland — while grizzlies inhabit Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Washington. Both bears live in parts of Canada and Alaska.

Their similarities include aggressive behaviors, and they are both strong predators with an incredible bite force. While the polar bear is larger, with a slightly stronger bite, the grizzly has longer and stronger claws that are more effective for killing prey. Polar bears aren’t territorial like grizzlies. They also tend to avoid conflicts, while grizzlies are aggressive and will fight fiercely. Apparently, there have been polar bear and grizzly interactions that didn’t end in conflict, as there are known polar bear and grizzly bear hybrids.

Winner: Toss-up

6. Gorilla vs. Leopard

Gorillas and leopards both inhabit the dense forests of Africa. Gorillas are powerful primates, known for their immense strength and social groups, while leopards are solitary and stealthy predators.

Gorillas possess incredible upper body strength, capable of delivering powerful blows and using their strong jaws to bite. They are also highly intelligent and can use their environment to their advantage. Leopards, on the other hand, are agile, with sharp claws and teeth designed for hunting. They are skilled climbers and can launch surprise attacks from the trees.

In a direct confrontation, the gorilla's strength and social structure might offer protection, but the leopard's agility and predatory skills would give it an edge in a one-on-one encounter. However, given the gorilla's size and power, a leopard would likely avoid a direct fight unless absolutely necessary.

Winner: Leopard

6. Wolf vs. Coyote

Wolves and coyotes both belong to the Canidae family and often share overlapping territories in North America. Wolves are larger and stronger, with a more robust build, while coyotes are smaller, faster, and more adaptable.

Wolves hunt in packs, using teamwork to take down large prey. They have powerful jaws and a high level of endurance, which makes them formidable opponents. Coyotes, however, are known for their cunning and agility. They often hunt alone or in small family groups and are highly resourceful in finding food.

In a direct confrontation, the wolf's size and pack behavior would typically overpower a lone coyote. However, a coyote's speed and cleverness could help it escape or avoid a fight altogether. Coyotes also excel in urban environments where wolves are less likely to venture, giving them an advantage in certain scenarios.

Winner: Wolf

Article Sources:

Colorado State University. Apex predators not a quick fix for restoring ecosystems, 20-year CSU study finds

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Adaptive evolution toward larger size in mammals

African Journal of Ecology. Dentition and ageing of the hippo

Ecology. Direct observation of killer whales preying on white sharks and evidence of a flight response

Field & Stream. What Animal Has the Strongest Bite Force?

Wildlife Letters. Contribution of hybridization between polar bears and grizzly bears to polar bear extinction