Aggressive Hippo
Hippos are normally peaceful animals, but if they feel threatened or disturbed, they can become violent and deadly.
When disturbed in water, a herd of hippos would usually submerge and resurface after several minutes with only the flat top of their heads above water.
On land: If disturbed, hippos can charge at speeds of above 30 km/hr. They are surprisingly agile and can even climb steep banks with proper footing.
Additional elements that can impact hippo behaviour include the presence of young calves, limited resources like as food and water, and time of day (they are primarily nocturnal).
It’s vital to remember that hippos are wild animals and should always be watched from a safe distance. Never approach a hippo, especially if it shows symptoms of stress such as yawning, snorting, or extending its jaws wide.