This lioness found itself in a prickly spot when she was unable to remove several sharp porcupine quills lodged in her backside.
Wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein captured the painful predicament of the Masai Mara predator while working as a travel guide in Kenya.
He explained: ‘I have guided in the Masai Mara for 25 years but have never come across such a sight. I have sometimes seen a lion with one or two porcupine quills around its throat or paws but these are quite easily removable.
‘It is particularly common with young lions as they discover a porcupine is a fearful adversary. This lioness initially had three in her rump, which I have never seen before. After many contortions she removed one but the others were too deep.
‘In this case another lion must have helped as she was seen without them a few days later. This is not a common operation for a lioness to perform and would need some practice – sharp practice.’
The lioness sits on the savannah in Kenya contemplating how it can remove the three awkwardly-placed porcupine quills
The huge quills were seen sticking out of the lioness’s backside – though it is not known how they got in the painful position
Eventually, the big cat was able to remove one using her mouth – but remained unable to reach the other two
Blood and grazes mark the spots where other porcupine quills were once stuck in the lion’s backside
The lioness attempts – unsuccessfully – to reach one of two awkwardly-placed porcupine quills in her backside
Paul Goldstein, a guide in the area, said another lion may have helped her remove them as she was seen several days later without them