Battle of the beasts: Hundred-strong army of crocodiles ambush a group of hippos #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @i_amreginaldjr

THESE incredible pictures show the moment a group of hippos were ambushed by an army of snapping crocodiles.

The brutal encounter happened on the river banks of the South Luangwa National Park[MERCURY ]

The brutal encounter in the river of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park was captured on camera by wildlife photographer Marc Mol.

One hippo was spotted lying dead on the muddy water's edge surrounded by the crocodiles while the rest of the herd chose to make a speedy getaway upstream.

The photographer described how more than 100 crocs descended on the river as the hippos desperately escaped, leaving their fallen friend at the mercy of the ravenous reptiles.

Mr Mol said: "I was up in a helicopter above the river in the early hours of the morning and my pilot John Coppinger and I saw around 100 crocodiles feasting on a dead hippo.

Some 100 Crocs descended into the river [MERCURY]

One of the hippos didn't manage to escape [MERCURY]

The hippos made their escape upstream [MERCURY]

The herd swam off leaving the crocs to feast on their dead friend [MERCURY]

A microlight was used to take the photographs [MERCURY]

Mr Mol said the microlight could have looked like a Pterodactyls to the crocodiles [MERCURY]

"The hot weather was relentless but it was likely this hippo died from anthrax which lies dormant for many years but can get stirred up if the dry season is an extended one.

"What I did find that was most interesting was that the crocodiles appeared to be the only animals that were concerned with the microlight flying overhead.

"It could well be a throwback to the days when Pterodactyls ruled the skies.

"It was a thrilling and amazing experience, one that I'll never forget."