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Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, they can out run a
human. They can run up to 25 mph and maintain this speed for a few hundred
yards. Males have canine teeth up to 20" uses its head as a battering ram
and can weight up to 7,000 lbs. A typical life span for a hippo is 40 to 50
years. Once numerous in all African rivers and streams with deep water, the
hippo is now largely restricted to natural parks and wildlife refuges. The
hippopotamus is perfectly at home in the water, mating and giving birth there.
Due to its specific gravity, it can submerge itself completely and walk on the
bottom of the river. It comes up on land to feed on grasses and crops, mainly at
night, and is most dangerous when it feels cut off from its watery environment.