They may be the kings of the jungle, but it seems that even lions are wary of being spiked on a porcupine.
Instead of risking an injury the lion cub nervously investigated his potential dinner.
These photographs show a pride of lions as they surround this porcupine in South Africa.
Spike: This lion cub inquisitively puts his paw on a spike of the porcupine during his investigation
Curious: The cub is careful before tackling the unusual animal
The moment was captured by photographic guide Andrew Schoeman, 40, whilst visiting the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa.
‘Lions are inquisitive and are always on the lookout for a meal,’ said Andrew.
‘I was on a game drive where we were following a pride of lions when they came across this porcupine.
‘First the adult Lionesses tried to catch the porcupine with no success, then the cubs had a closer look.
Family: The entire pride of lions soon shows up to investigate the porcupine
Pride: The moment was captured by photographic guide Andrew Schoeman, 40, whilst visiting the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa
‘The cubs were a little weary after seeing the failure of the females, I think for them it was a learning experience and probably the first time they had seen a porcupine.’
Lions hunting in groups are capable of taking down most animals, even healthy adults, meaning this little porcupine should have been no problem for this pride.
Andrew says: ‘The lions displayed a mixture of curiosity and keenness for the porcupine.
Careful: This pride of lions step away from the porcupine in caution
Surrounded: A lion’s diet consists mainly of large mammals, which include wildebeest, zebras, buffalo and even deer
‘They were all hungry but cautious at the same time, so not all the Lions surrounded the porcupine at once.
‘Photographing wildlife has always been a passion of mine, and I believe that when we visit these beautiful animals we should ensure we respect them.’
A lion’s diet consists mainly of large mammals, which include wildebeest, zebras, buffalo and even deer.