Seasoned Safari Guide Halts a Charging Rhino With the Engine of His Jeep

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What should you do when a rhino charges? Black rhinos are the most aggressive species of rhinos and have been known to charge and knock over vehicles. It’s best to keep a safe distance from rhinos, but what should you do if it’s too late and you’ve got a massive rhino headed directly for you? We looked into what the experts say on how to survive a rhino attack or avoid it in the first place.

Where Do Rhinos Live?

Rhinos once roamed freely across Africa and Asia. In 1900, it was estimated that there were over 500,000 rhinos in the world. Due to habitat loss and poaching of rhinos for their horns, by 1970, there were only 70,000 rhinos left. Today, the number is even lower at under 28,000.

Today, five species of rhinos remain: two in Africa and three in Asia. The African rhinos include the black and white rhino species, while the Asian rhinos are the greater one-horned, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos. The African rhinos can be found in southern and eastern Africa. The Asian rhinos live in India, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the island of Java.

How Big Are Rhinos?

Even the smallest rhino can weigh as much as a small sedan. The Sumatran rhino is the smallest species of rhino and weighs around 2,000 pounds. The white rhino is the largest species and can weigh up to 5,000 pounds. Black rhinos, which are found in Africa, are the species most likely to attack. They can weigh up to 3,000 pounds and stand over five feet tall at the shoulder.

Black Rhinos Are the Most Aggressive Rhino Species

If you are on safari in Africa, the rhino you are most likely to have a frightening encounter with is the black rhino. Dr. Joseph Okori, Rhino Programme Manager and wildlife vet, told the World Wide Fund for Nature, “Black rhinos are very nervous in temperament and can be quite aggressive and would react by attacking the threat, even a poacher. I’ve had cases where I’ve gone to dart black rhino and I’ve been attacked.”

In zoos, white rhinos, which are a much more peaceful species, can be housed with other animals in their enclosures. Black rhinos, on the other hand, are best kept apart from other animals. Scientists once believed that black rhinos only lived alone, but when resources are plentiful, scientists have found they may live together in social groups.

How to Avoid a Rhino Attack When You’re in a Vehicle

A video posted on YouTube by the channel, Tekweni, shows how one wildlife expert kept an aggressive black rhino from charging a safari jeep. The massive rhino was filmed heading straight at the vehicle. The rhino runs forward with its head lowered, but the man in the video starts his vehicle up each time the rhino moves forward and yells. The loud noises from the man and the running engine stop the rhino in its tracks. This scene repeats several times until the rhino runs a distance away and turns to face the vehicle.

What do the experts say? Does this video depict the right behavior when you’re facing down a rhino?

Since rhinos are as big as cars, they can easily tip over vehicles. Rhinos have poor eyesight, which perhaps explains why they may view objects such as vehicles as a threat. Safari experts recommend that when driving, stay on the roads and go the speed limit or slower. Give animals the right of way and keep your distance when you can. Don’t stand up and lean out of windows or make loud noises or sudden movements.

However, if a rhino is charging at you, the expert advice changes from staying quiet to making a lot of noise. By stopping and starting your engine or yelling, you may be able to scare the rhino away, like the video from Tekweni. But this is a last resort and should only be attempted if it seems like a rhino charge is imminent.

How to Survive if a Rhino Charges While You Are on the Ground

If you are in a vehicle and a rhino approaches, stay in your car. Rhinos can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour. Not only can they run fast in a straight line, but they can zigzag with ease. Never attempt to run away from a rhino.

If you are on the ground and encounter a rhino, keep your distance. Stay especially vigilant if you see a baby and its mother. Mother rhinos are fiercely protective. As we mentioned above, rhinos don’t have the best eyesight. Sometimes, when you stand very still, the rhino may not even know you are there.

If the rhino does spot you and aggressively charges your way, try to get to a vehicle or other shelter. But if this isn’t possible, you can climb a tree. Although this advice doesn’t work for every African mammal, rhinos can’t climb trees and probably won’t pursue you. Finally, if the rhino keeps coming, try distracting it by throwing a jacket or backpack to hopefully divert the rhino’s charge, giving you the chance to get to safety.

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