Do lions strangle prey with its mouth?

Lions do not typically kill their prey by strangulation with their mouths. Although lions are powerful predators with strong jaws, they usually take down their quarry with a quick and precise neck bite, which severs the spinal cord. This method is called the ''killing bite'' or ''fatal bite.''

During a lion hunt, the lioness's role often involves bringing down the prey. They employ various techniques, such as leaping onto the animal's back, sinking their claws into its flesh, and delivering powerful bites. Once the prey is subdued, the lions use their sharp canine teeth to inflict a fatal bite to the throat or the back or the back of the neck, causing severe damage to the spinal cord and leading to paralysis and death.

This hunting strategy ensures a swift and efficient kill, minimizing the risk of injury to the lions. While lions may use their jaws and teeth to grasp or hold their prey during the hunt, strangulation is not a common method of killing their prey.