Hippopotamuses

I am learning just how much I really don’t know as I go searching for facts. I have to say there are a lot of things that surprised me. My mother always corrected me when I used the word hippopotamuses. She said they were hippopotami. We were both correct. Either version is consider correct. The name of these animals comes from the Greek language and means River Horse.

I did not know that hippos spend up to 16 hours a day submerged in rivers and lakes to keep their massive bodies cool. I had no idea that they can secrete a red substance, that is not blood to help with cooling and prevent sunburns. 

Hippopotamuses eat mostly grass and plants. They have to rest to allow for digestion. These animals have very powerful jaws and bite power. One hippopotamus facts that is little-known outside of Africa involves how the locals actually perceive these animals. Though lions are deadly, most Africans fear hippos more. This is because more people die as a result of hippo attacks than they do from attacks by any other creatures, even snakes. (Who knew?)

Hippopotamuses have short legs, a huge mouth and a body shaped like a barrel. (Know I know why he called me a hippo!)Hippos have been clocked at 30 km/h over short distances. I bet I could do that if I were angry enough!