When do rhinos charge

Their horns, made of a substance similar to that of human fingernails, sometimes break off, but they regenerate, or grow back. Female rhinos also use their horns to protect their babies from predators such as lions , crocodiles , and hyenas. In spite of their fierce reputation, black rhinos do have a softer side. The females are very attentive mothers. They look after their young for years, protecting them from enemies and teaching them how to survive independently.

Young rhinos usually stay with their mothers until a sibling is born. By then they're generally over two years old, almost adult size, and ready to live on their own. Humans are the only real threat to adult black rhinos.

In several Asian cultures, people believe that a rhino horn provides powerful medicine for a variety of ailments. Other people, who live mainly in northern Africa, use rhino horns to make the handles for special daggers. Since rhino horns fetch high prices, many poachers are willing to break the law and kill these endangered animals. All rights reserved. Personality Quizzes. So the first step to avoiding a confrontation with a black rhino is knowing that you are dealing with one, and having some sense of its unpredictable nature.

Much of this advice applies to dealing with any large and potentially dangerous mammal in Etosha, or in any national park. Is it not clear that the elephant is not in the best of moods well before it charges the vehicle? Many would consider this an example of terrible guiding.

Wild animals are, well, wild. They should be treated and admired as such. If, however, it has been frequently hunted or otherwise provoked, it will no doubt be easily perturbed. Either way, it's a sure bet that if you come between a female and her calf, you better start moving. Whether a rhino's charge is coldly premeditated or initiated out of fear and confusion doesn't really matter once its lumbering body gets going.

Not only can their horns reach frightening lengths, but the animals are surprisingly fast for their size, able to reach speeds of up to 40 mph 64 kph [source: National Geographic , San Diego Zoo ]. Of course, unless it's a tree or a termite mound, the target has the benefit of full vision capabilities. Despite a ban on the international trade of rhino products, demand for rhino horns remains high. Along with habitat loss, poaching presents a grave threat to all five rhino populations.

Although there's no proof of the horn's medicinal value, it's highly prized as an effective treatment for everything from nosebleeds to strokes. A survey of medical practitioners in Asia revealed that 60 percent of them stock rhino horn and 27 percent believe it's essential for their work [source: World Wildlife Fund ]. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe.

Wild Animals. Hoofed Mammals. Why do rhinos charge anything unfamiliar? In some parts of the world, rhinoceros horns are sought for their perceived medicinal properties. See more pictures of mammals. Don't Like Wearing Glasses? Try Rhino Horns!