The brave cranes first spread their wings – which can span up to 8ft – as a warning. Then when the fox failed to get the message, they flew right at it – until the predator finally scarpered with its tail between its legs.
The remarkable pictures were captured by photographer Mark Hughes at the Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire.
Mark, from nearby Tewkesbury, noticed the fox creeping towards the chicks as they paddled, happily, in a pond. But the adult cranes were on the alert.
The fox, which ran off to hunt for easier prey, was left hungry
Straight away, the long-legged birds formed a protective barrier between their chicks and the fox. They then spread their wings and flew towards it.
The fox, which ran off to hunt for easier prey, was left hungry.
As for the chicks, they carried on paddling and probably wondered what all the fuss was about.