How to escape the deadly mouth of…
Esther F.
Hippo - hippos tend to look very cure and friendly, but the opposite is the truth. Don't let their vegan diet trick you into thinking that there is something stopping them from killing you. Female hippos can weight up to 1200 kg and males even up to 4500kg! They are one of the deadliest animals out there. Each year they kill around 500 people. If you're lucky enough to encounter with one, be sure to follow these steps.
Check out the areas you're planning on visiting. Hippos usually live in groups, but that doesn't mean you won't meet single hippos.
If you see a group of hippos or just one Hippo, don't come near them. They are very territorial so mak sure you're keeping distance between the two of you. They won't hesitate in fliping your boat and tearing you into pieces.
Make sure the hippos know about you. They don't like surprises, so make as much noise as you can to let them know they're not alone. I recommend screaming from the top of your lungs ;).
Observe them. If they yawn it a sign you're too close to them. Run!
If a hippo tries to chase you on the surface try to get to areas with obstacles (trees, big rocks etc). This will slow him down, but be ready, they run at the speed of 48 km/h which is the speed of a horse. Run zig zag as this will slow them down as well.
Climb up a tree or a mountain. They can't do that.
But what they can do is open their mouth 180 degrees (they can bite a crocodile in 2 pieces). So in case it's too late to run, fight! Punch, kick and hit their eyes, reach for the back of their throat in case you're hands are already in. Fight for your life, literary.
The chance of you surviving are very low, but thanks to this article not zero ;)