The hippo, a semi-aquatic creature found in sub-Saharan Africa, is known for its large size and herbivorous diet. Weighing up to 4,000 kg, it ranks among the largest land mammals and holds the reputation of being one of Africa's most perilous animals. Responsible for numerous human fatalities annually, these massive creatures can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and have powerful jaws capable of crushing bones. If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of being attacked by a hippo, here are some tips on how to survive a hippo attack:
1. Identification
Hippos are easy to identify thanks to their round, oblong bodies, short legs, and enormous heads. These semi-aquatic mammals also lack hair, except for a few tufts on their lips. But most significantly, hippopotamuses are enormous!
It's essential to respect their personal space. Don't be deceived by a hippo's seeming calmness and tranquility. These animals can quickly transition from a state of repose to full-on combat. Additionally, hippopotamuses are difficult to quiet down when angry.
Watch out for hippos whether you're wandering on land or in the water. Hippos are loud creatures that frequently congregate in huge herds. To communicate, they enjoy using loud honking, squeaking, moaning, and bellowing.
Where Can You Encounter Hippos?
Hippos are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, in freshwater habitats, such as rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. They are indigenous to more than 30 African nations. Once you spot one hippo, there's a good chance you'll see more since they tend to gather in groups. These mammals have adaptable social structures and are often found in herds ranging from 25 to 100 animals.
How Dangerous Are Hippos?
On the ground and in the water, hippos attack people. When one of these mammals perceives a threat, they will strike out in self-defense. The attacks frequently end in death.
In Africa, hippos claim the lives of about 500 humans each year. As a result, hippos are among the deadliest animals on earth. Hippos prefer not to attack humans. They don't eat human. These aquatic monsters, however, respond fiercely when a people enters their domain.
From the surface, it might be challenging to discern resting hippos, thus boaters occasionally unintentionally upset them. Hippos typically react to being startled and enraged by capsize the boat. The risk of a lethal hippo attack increases significantly if you fall into the water.
2. How to Prevent a Hippo Attack
Stay away from hippos
Staying away from recognized hippo territory is the best defense against a hippo attack. Respect their space since hippos are territorial and aggressive when they feel threatened. When you see them in the water, give them plenty of room to avoid getting in their way. Avoid trying to navigate through areas of water where there are lots of hippos.
The "yawn" of a hippopotamus is actually a signal that you are getting too close.
Make Noises to Survive a Hippo Attack
Making noise is another strategy to thwart a hippo assault. Inform the hippos that you are around. Hippos don't view people as prey; if they don't perceive a threat, they won't attack.
Make a little noise with your paddle to avoid frightening hippos and starting an attack. Try repeatedly hitting the water's surface or the side of your boat. Hippos that are underwater will be alerted by the noise and will steer clear of you.
Choose Wide Open Spaces
To avoid encountering a hippo on land, it's best to stick to open areas. Before approaching a hippo, it's important to walk in areas where you can see it from a safe distance. This will give the animals a chance to recognize your presence and steer clear of you. Hippos are only hostile when you approach their territory. When you're far away, they don't perceive you as a threat.
Skip the dense vegetation
Avoid the vegetation that lines streams. Large creatures like hippos and elephants hide among this greenery. Avoid areas of foliage because there is a considerable probability that you will see a hippo, crocodile, or large cat there.
Watch for Hippo Activity
Lastly, keep a look out for signs of hippo activity. Hippos enjoy marking their food sources with their waste. Never camp close to a dung path; instead, keep an eye out for droppings. Additionally, stay away from any well-known animal tracks when establishing up camp.
3. How to Escape a Hippo on Land
Hippos are capable of traveling at 30 mph. They are faster than the top sprinter in the Olympics because to this remarkable speed! Hippos are exceedingly swift, which may seem strange for such a huge animal.
Climb a tree to flee a land hippo that is charging you. If there are no trees, run in a zigzag pattern and don't turn around. Run till you come across some cover. Moreover, if there is no nearby refuge, move to higher ground.
A hippo cannot be outrun; however, you must leave their territory. Your chances of escaping the hippo if it grabs you are quite limited. The wisest course of action is therefore to flee as quickly as you can. Therefore, if a hippo charges at you, keep going until you reach a safe area.
4. Get out of the way as the hippo charges toward the water
It seems likely that hippos desire to enter the water as they charge toward a water source. You need to clear the path and leave the location as soon as you can. The majority of a hippo's life is spent in the water. The hippo can escape to the water without seeing you as a threat if you keep out of the way.
However, if you become paralyzed, the hippo may run over you, so move quickly! A hippo racing toward the water should always be avoided. No time to pretend to be dead now.
5. Hippo in Shallow Water: Keep a Safe Distance
If you come across a hippo in shallow water, steer clear! When the water levels are low, hippos lose their sense of security and cover. They start feeling vulnerable, and that's when things can get dicey. That's why, when a hippo is in shallow water, there's a higher chance of them lashing out.
To avoid any potential danger, it's best to give hippos their space and not approach them when they're in shallow water. They can get pretty aggressive if they feel threatened. So, if you see one, keep your distance and stay safe.
6. Surviving a Hippo Attack: Defending Strategies
Run away if a hippo attacks. Fight back if the hippo catches you! Make them feel as awkward as you can. I'm hoping they'll stop attacking and spit you out. But until then, resist giving in.
Use the paddles on your boat as a weapon. Push the paddle into the hippo's jaws and hit it in the eyes. Use your fists if you don't have a weapon. Put up a struggle, strike them in the face, and do whatever else is necessary.
Never give up and keep battling if you can't escape. Your best chance of success is for the hippo to back off from attacking because of all the fuss you're making. Throw objects at the hippo if it is attacking your pal. Don't stop throwing anything you have at the hippo, including rocks and sticks.
If you're stuck and can't get away from a hippo, don't give up and keep fighting. The idea is to make the hippo think twice about attacking you by giving it a tough time. If a hippo is attacking your friend, throw whatever you can find at it. Grab some rocks or sticks, or anything else you can throw, and keep pelting the hippo until it backs off.
Source: a-z-animals
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