Rhinos don’t attack humans on purpose – they usually only attack humans if they feel scared, startled or cornered. Black Rhinos are most likely to charge.
Do Rhinos Attack Humans All The Time?
Out of all the large animals in the world – the rhino as a species isn’t in the top 10 most dangerous.
Most of the time they keep away from humans with 3 of the 5 living species (Sumatran, Javan, and Greater One-Horned rhinos) preferring to live hidden in jungles.
All but the Black Rhino (Dicero bicornis) will usually run away if they see humans or get scared by something.
Rhinos in general are very short-sighted so tend to flee before seeing what they are actually running from. If a rhino is close enough to see you – you could be in trouble.
Rhinos are massive – up to 1.5m (5ft) at the shoulder for most and a good 4m (13ft) long for the largest White Rhinos (Ceratotherium simum). They can also carry around with them a giant spear on the end of their noses – the closest place to a human trying to run away. Able to run at up to 64km/h (40mph) in a charge – meaning if you can see them clearly with the naked eye – you may already be too close.
Which Rhino Is Most Dangerous?
The Black Rhino, found across sub-Saharan Africa, is deemed the most dangerous as it is unpredictable and likely to charge. Not the largest species – this giant is still the size of a small family car – so don’t think they can’t inflict real damage.
But how do you tell them apart? Unfortunately, Black Rhino aren’t black in color – they are the same gray color as White Rhinos (which aren’t white). Basically, any rhino in Africa should be avoided.
As a novice, you can only clearly tell the difference between them to avoid a charge – is by the shape of their top lip (Black Rhino = pointed top lip: White Rhino – straight top lip). Unless you are doing that through binoculars though – it might not matter!!!
However, with a play on words – the most dangerous rhino is ‘any one that you have gotten close to’ – as they are easily spooked and very defensive – especially if they have calves. Not as dangerous as hippos (which is THE most dangerous large mammal) but never-the-less – avoid rhino territory at all costs without an experienced guide.
Will A Rhino Charge A Vehicle?
Absolutely. And they can destroy it too if they want.
Usually, rhinos are seen in videos just wandering past vehicles, (video below) watching people, and just letting things be. They are herbivores after all – and would rather chill than fight. If all goes to plan, they will decide that your vehicle isn’t a threat. They will just walk on by, carry on grazing – or watch you drive slowly away. But, if they are in a bad mood; you get too close; or, they just don’t like the look of you – you could be in trouble.
Being taller than most ordinary cars (which are made of very thin metal) these guys can cause serious damage with just a shoulder barge. But some rhinos having a bad day (or just some kick-around fun) can really trash and overturn most cars.
Safari land buses are another matter as they are so tall and heavy they should stay upright, and your guides should be able to read the rhino’s body language and avoid an altercation. Money well spent indeed!
Can Foxes Be as Aggressive Towards Humans as Rhinos?
Foxes and pets: a dangerous combination. While foxes may exhibit aggression towards humans in rare cases, it is unlikely for them to pose a threat on the same level as rhinos. Foxes are generally shy and tend to avoid confrontations with humans. However, it is important to exercise caution when encountering wild animals and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both humans and pets.
Do Rhinos Chase Cars?
Usually they don’t want to waste their energy. If you are driving away and they see the threat disappearing they will usually give up.
It would be most likely that they were only showing an interest in the vehicle as it was deemed a threat, smelled strange or it was between them and where they wanted to go. Driving away usually solves all of those things.
There are occasions where they do continue to chase/charge a vehicle – especially if it is moving only slowly. They just keep on at it, still finding it a threat or of intense interest. And of course the more damage they inflict on the vehicle (often popping the tires) the harder it is for the vehicle to move away – therefore increasing the attack time. This safari vehicle (Video below) just had a bad day.
If you are in a car – you are usually going to be OK though. But don’t push your luck: rhinos are massive.
