Posted on 11/16/2009 9:49:20 PM PST by Steelfish
November 17, 2009 Caught On Camera: Hippos Kill Crocodile In Rare Clash
[Pics in URL: 4 Images]
Faced with the angry hippos, the crocodile decides to run across their backs
Jonathan Clayton, Africa Correspondent
Bathing hippos usually have a tolerant attitude towards their fellow creatures until something snaps. And then, as this crocodile discovered the hard way, they are the most dangerous wild animals in Africa
Vaclav Silha, a Czech wildlife photographer, had set up his camera on the banks of the Grumeti in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, to take pictures of a group of 50 placid hippos when an explosive fight erupted a thrashing scrum that ended seconds later in the crocodiles violent death.
Mutual respect between these animals means fights occur very rarely, Mr Silha said. One of the only reasons you might see a conflict is if the hippos have young. The incautious croc got too close to a female who had calves and the whole group gathered into a defensive circle.
The crocodile suddenly raced across the backs of the hippos. It might have panicked and thought it was an escape route. It was the worst choice the reptile could ever have made. And it was definitely its last.
The island of hippos erupted with teeth and all I could see was the crocodile being repeatedly crushed in their huge mouths. His body slipped below the water and I didnt see him again.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
Was that a Staffordshire Hippo, or an African Pit Hippo?
Is there a video link?
Feets . . . .
Hippo Mastiff.
Hippos are vegetarians, and mean and territorial as all get out. That’s why I always found it amusing in the Jurassic Park movie when they portray brontosaurs as “kind of a big cow”. Big cow, indeed. If a 3 ton hippo is mean, imagine the attitude of a 30 ton dinosaur!
Rhinos and Cape buffalo are also vegetarians.
OTOH, most RINOs are carnivores.
“Feets, don’t fail me now!”
Note to self: “when confronted by hippos in the neighborhood, never try to run across their backs.” OK, got it
Thats how the Kenyan runners train for marathons.....obviously only the fastest make the team and there is no junior varsity.
Crocs have been around for over 100 million years. Doing things like this is no way to get to 101 million.
Wonder how fast Bolt can run when he's being chased by a hippo?
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