Deadly Hippos! (no it isn't a band)

People think of Hippos like this:


Awwww isn't he cute? Yes. Yes it is. But it is very far from the truth about hippos. They are, in fact, one of the deadliest animals on the face of the planet.

Tell me, does this look cute to you?


Those bottom teeth are about as big around as a man's forearm, and are RAZOR sharp. What's more, they are strong enough to pierce practically anything. To a hippo, plunging one or both of those teeth through your chest (or any other part of your body) is as easy as a swish of their tail. Keep in mind that these teeth are coated with bacteria which is fast acting poison when introduced into your bloodstream, and also keep in mind that hippo attacks usually happen in water, and you can start to see just how deadly they can be.

In addition to sharp teeth, they also are themselves massive animals. They weigh up to 2 tons (4,000 lbs), and have been known to get up into the 8,000 to 9,000 lb. range. They are surprisingly fleet-footed and fast on land, but they spend the majority of their lives in the water, where their bouyancy makes them extremely agile. They can slip up under a boat and never give a clue as to their intentions until the boat is exploded upwards out of the water, breaking into a hundred pieces. Then, when you are in the water... look out. This is when they have you where they want you. They are notoriously aggressive, and attacks on humans is very common. Especially if said human has foolishly wandered into an area where young hippos are. Adult hippos will defend their young viciously, no matter the aggressor.

The Zulus held hippos to be the bravest animal they knew. Even braver than the lion!

So when you see a hippo at the zoo, remember... it may look like a big dumb oaf (which I guess it is), but it could also kill you without thinking twice about it.

Fun Facts:
-Hippopotamus is greek and means: River Horse
-Hippos are close relatives to pigs.
-They have webbed toes.
-Hippos use their tails to scatter feces around. This marks their territory.
-They are the 3rd largest land animal after elephants and rhinos.
-baby hippos can nurse under water.
-hundreds of hippos are shot each year in controlled killings.
-Hippo meat is reportedly quite delicious.
-Hippos tusks are ivory.