Hippos may look cute and harmless, but don’t let their round, smiling faces fool you. Behind those chunky exteriors lie some of the most aggressive animals in Africa. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: no, hippos are not friendly.
In this nearly 3000 word guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at hippo behavior to help you understand why they have a reputation for being one of the most dangerous animals on the continent. We’ll cover what makes hippos so aggressive, examine some shocking hippo attack statistics, learn how to safely view hippos in the wild, and more.
What Makes Hippos So Aggressive?
Hippos are well-known for their aggressive and territorial nature. There are several key factors that contribute to their hostile behavior:
Large Size and Powerful Jaws
Hippos are enormous animals, weighing up to 3,300 pounds. They have very large mouths filled with 20-inch canine teeth capable of slicing a crocodile in half. Their imposing size and dangerous teeth mean they can seriously injure or kill pretty much any animal that crosses their path.
Territory and Protection of Young
Hippos are extremely territorial, especially dominant males defending their stretch of river or lake. They mark their territory with dung and urine. If an intruder enters their space, they will chase the trespasser and attack using their lethal jaws.
Female hippos with calves are also very protective and will lash out at any perceived threat to their young.
Being Disturbed or Feeling Threatened
Hippos are normally quite placid during the day when they lounge in the water to stay cool and protect their sensitive skin from the sun. But if humans or animals disturb their rest, they can get very irritable.
Loud noises, the presence of unfamiliar animals or people, or being prevented from accessing food, water or shade can all trigger aggressive behavior. Hippos will charge, snap their jaws, and try to drive away the source of their irritation.
Hippo Attack Statistics and Fatality Rates
Hippos are considered to be one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Despite their massive size and intimidating appearance, many people do not realize just how aggressive and territorial hippos can be. Here is an overview of hippo attack statistics and fatality rates:
Hippo Attacks per Year
According to research, there are an estimated 150-200 hippo attacks in Africa per year. The majority of these attacks are believed to occur in Zambia. However, hippo attacks have been documented in many countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.
Hippo Attack Fatality Rate
Hippo attacks are incredibly dangerous and often fatal. It is estimated that hippos kill an average of 500 people each year, making them one of the deadliest large animals in Africa. According to statistics, the fatality rate for hippo attacks is 29%.
That means 3 out of 10 people attacked by a hippo do not survive.
Where Hippo Attacks Occur
Most hippo attacks take place in rural areas near rivers, lakes and wetlands that hippos inhabit. Locals relying on these water sources for fishing, bathing and drinking water are especially at risk. Tourists visiting game reserves and wilderness areas have also been victims of hippo attacks when getting too close to the animals.
Why Hippos Attack
Hippos are notoriously territorial and will aggressively defend their turf from perceived threats. Males are especially aggressive in defending their stretch of river or grazing area. Hippos are also very protective of their young. Females will attack anything seen as a threat to their calf.
Accidentally getting between a mother and baby almost always triggers an attack.
Other reasons hippos attack include:
- Getting too close to the animal, even unintentionally
- Startling or surprising a hippo
- Coming between a hippo and deep water
- Trying to pass a hippo on land
- Entering hippo habitats during feeding times
Ultimately, hippos see humans as a threat and they will attack with very little provocation. Their massive size and powerful jaws make them incredibly dangerous, even for experienced wildlife professionals and guides.
Precautions for Avoiding Hippo Attacks
The best way to avoid a hippo attack is to steer clear of areas populated by hippos. If you must be near hippos, here are some precautions to take:
- Give hippos a wide berth – stay at least 50 meters away
- Never get between a hippo and the water
- Avoid canoeing or boating near hippos
- Do not visit hippo habitats at night or when feeding
- Watch for signs of aggression like yawning and grunting
- Back away slowly if a hippo charges without running
Being aware of the danger and respecting hippos from a safe distance is key to avoiding an attack. While they may look docile, hippos will aggressively defend themselves and their territory.
Hippo Behavior Changes Throughout the Day
Nocturnal Feedings and Nighttime Wandering
Hippos are primarily nocturnal creatures who do most of their feeding at night. After the sun goes down, hippos leave their watery daytime habitats and wander onto land to graze on grass. With their incredible sense of smell, hippos can locate the freshest grasses, their favorite snacks, even in total darkness.
Under the cover of night, hippos may travel 6 miles or more in search of food, tromping through both open plains and dense forests. According to the Zambia Tourism website, an adult hippo can consume over 80 lbs of grass each night!
They use their massive jaws to scythe through even the toughest grass and their huge grinding molars make quick work of chewing it up.
While hippos spend most of the daylight hours cooling off in lakes and rivers, after dark they require time on land to graze. If hippos cannot access nighttime grazing areas, they may become malnourished. Protecting hippo access to both aquatic habitats and grazing lands is key to their survival.
Staying Submerged During the Day to Keep Cool
Due to their low surface-to-volume ratio, hippos struggle to keep cool during the heat of the day. Remaining in water helps hippos maintain their body temperature. By submerging all but their eyes and nostrils, hippos minimize their sun exposure.
Rivers and lakes also provide protection from the sun’s intense rays.
Hippos will come briefly ashore during the day to bask in the sun and socialize. But they seldom stray far from the water’s edge. If they become overheated on land, hippos will raise their head, flaring their nostrils, and gape open their mouth to cool the blood circulating through their head.
This gaping behavior also allows hippos to see and hear better above the waterline. Still, overheating can become a serious issue, so hippos seldom stay on land for more than a few hours during daylight.
In comparison, hippos may spend up to 16 hours each night grazing on land. Their nocturnal behavior helps mitigate the risks of dehydration and heat exhaustion under the hot African sun. Remaining submerged throughout the day helps hippos stay cool in challenging environments where temperatures may reach 100°F.
Access to rivers, lakes, and pools is critical for hippos to survive in these hot, arid regions.
Safely Viewing Hippos in the Wild
Maintain a Safe Distance
When observing hippos in their natural habitat, it is crucial to keep a safe distance of at least 50 yards. Although they seem docile and slow-moving, hippos can be incredibly dangerous and aggressive if they perceive you as a threat.
Getting too close risks triggering a hippo’s fight-or-flight response, which could have potentially fatal consequences.
Expert wildlife guides advise keeping at least the length of two tour buses between you and any hippos you encounter. Use binoculars, spotting scopes, or telephoto lenses to safely observe these massive creatures from afar. Never attempt to approach a hippo on foot or in a vehicle.
If a hippo charges, run in a straight line away as fast as possible.
Never Get Between a Hippo and Water
Hippos spend most daylight hours cooling off in rivers, lakes, and watering holes to regulate their body temperature. Although they venture onto land at night to graze, they become stressed and agitated if separated from water for too long.
Getting between a hippo and the nearest water source can trigger an aggressive charge as they attempt to rejoin the safety of the water.
Give hippos plenty of space to move freely between land and water. Never block paths leading down to the water or position yourself in areas hippos use as entry or exit points. Pay attention to signs like worn trails and flattened vegetation so you can anticipate where hippos are likely to travel.
Having an escape route planned is also wise in case you need to make a quick exit.
Be Extra Vigilant Around Young Hippos
While all hippos deserve ample personal space, be especially cautious around mothers with vulnerable calves. Though protective by nature, hippo mothers intensify their guarding efforts to keep their young safe from perceived threats.
According to wildlife experts, females with calves account for the most hippo-related attacks on humans.
If you spot baby hippos in the vicinity, give them an exceptionally wide berth. Refrain from loud noises or movements that could startle them. Adult hippos may interpret such disturbances as threats to their young and react aggressively in response.
Heed all warning signs like gaping jaws, head swinging, or underwater shooting an intimidating reminder that caution is key for coexisting safely with these defensive mammals.
Captive vs Wild Hippo Behavior
Zoo Hippos are Less Territorial
Hippos residing in zoos exhibit less territorial behavior than their wild counterparts. Zoo hippos often share enclosures and coexist peacefully with other hippos. They have significantly more tolerant dispositions owing to regular feedings, medical care, and lack of threats.
According to the AZA Hippo Care Manual, hippos in human care display less aggression and can live in groups of up to 15 individuals. In the wild, hippos are more solitary and aggressive to defend their stretches of river.
Wild Hippos are Extremely Protective
Wild hippopotamuses are fiercely defensive of their young and territory. According to the African Wildlife Foundation, hippos are responsible for more human fatalities annually than any other large African mammal.
The World Wildlife Fund reports that hippos mark pathways to feeding areas that can stretch 180 yards from the water’s edge. If humans encroach on these trails, hippos charge with lethal speed and force.
While zoo hippos breed successfully, wild hippos suffer threats to their nursing calves like droughts, predators, and habitat loss that compel their protective aggression.
Conclusion
While hippos might look cute and harmless at first glance, a closer examination reveals they are one of Africa’s most aggressive and dangerous animals. Their powerful jaws, territorial nature, and desire to protect their young makes them prone to attacking any perceived threat.
Understanding hippo behavior is key to watching them safely in the wild.
Hopefully this guide gave you a comprehensive overview explaining why hippos can’t rightly be considered friendly creatures. Their staggering capacity for violence simply can’t be ignored. Next time you spot a hippo, whether in the wild or zoo, be sure to give them the caution and distance they deserve.
