For two reasons:
- He can’t “run away”. Theres nowhere to run & he can’t possibly outrun them; maybe in a short sprint, but hyenas are endurance runners, so he has no chance.
- The worst thing to do is panic and “run” around other predators. That will only trigger a chase, aka: their prey drive & show them they have the upper hand. Lions in this instance are best playing defense. Protecting their rear and spine, while waiting for them to lose interest & move off.
If the lion begins running, that won’t ever happen. It’s important they stand their ground, don’t act intimidated and try not to escalate matters. It’s usually not too long before backup for the lion will come. If there was a tree to potentially get up, its not uncommon for the lion to run and then climb up it. But, in the instances you’re describing that was likely not an option.
Also, lions are fighters. When it comes to the “fight or flight” response, they almost always choose fight. Rightfully so. They’re the largest African land predator & hugely intimidating. Lions know this & use it to their advantage when surrounded by hyenas.
