The lioness approaches the herd of wildebeests in plain sight. If she were hunting the wildebeests, she would crouch low and disappear into the tall grass. Her tan coat would help camouflage the lioness. ( Camouflage means to blend in with her surroundings.)

But for right now, she’s only watching the herd.

And the herd watches her back. Nervously. The wildebeests walk on, all the while keeping an eye on the female lion.

The lioness can’t outrun the wildebeests. In short bursts, lions can reach speeds of fifty miles per hour. But wildebeests can run that fast for a long time. So if the lioness is far away from the herd, the wildebeests will be safe. And if the lioness decides to charge them, they’ll have plenty of time to run for their lives.

The lioness walks alongside the herd. Lions prefer to attack when their target is no more than a hundred feet away. With a good running start, they can leap as far as thirty-six feet! But this lioness doesn’t want the wildebeests to panic and run—at least not yet. For now, she wants to keep their attention on her. Slowly, she begins closing the distance between them.

The wildebeests notice, and turn to flee.

The lio...