Hippopotamus. The Killer Greatly Underestimated.

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius),

or hippo. Hippopotamuses are by nature very aggressive animals, especially when young calves are present. Frequent targets of their aggression include crocodiles, which often inhabit the same river habitat as hippos. Nile crocodiles, lions and spotted hyenas are known to prey on young hippos.

Hippos are very aggressive towards humans, whom they commonly attack whether in boats or on land with no apparent provocation.They are widely considered to be one of the most dangerous large animals in Africa.

The hippopotamus is semi-aquatic, inhabiting rivers, lakes and mangrove swamps, where territorial bulls preside over a stretch of river and groups of 5 to 30 females and young. During the day they remain cool by staying in the water or mud. While hippopotamuses rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos are not territorial on land.

It is the third largest land mammal by weight (between 1½ and 3 tonnes), behind the white rhinoceros (1½ to 3½ tonnes).

This female exited the water near us and entered a smaller stream… she returned hours later accompanied by her young…