How Fast Can a Hippo Run?
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When you think of the fastest animals on land, a hippo probably won't come to mind because of its size. But hippos are surprisingly quick over short distances, faster than most people can sprint. So how fast can a hippo run?
On land, a hippo can run about 19 to 22 mph (30 to 35 km/h) over short distances, usually when it feels threatened or is chasing off a threat. National Geographic gives up to 22 mph. These figures are estimates, since no one has precisely measured a hippo's top speed.
When grazing at night, hippos walk slowly. In water, they don't actually swim; they are too dense to float, so they walk or bounce along the bottom.
Below, we compare hippo speed with human speed and explain how such a heavy animal moves so fast.
Why Would A Hippo Run?
A hippo isn't the fastest animal, but it's quicker than its size suggests. Over a short burst, it can outpace most people.
Hippos usually run when they feel threatened, whether by people, vehicles or other animals, or when defending their territory. You are unlikely to see one run at top speed without a reason.
People often say a hippo’s strut is similar to a horse’s, but research shows hippos don't gallop. A 2024 study by Royal Veterinary College researchers found that hippos trot at nearly all speeds, and the fastest ones briefly have all four feet off the ground.
How Can a Hippo Run So Fast with its Weight?
Hippos are huge. The African Wildlife Foundation calls them the third-largest living land mammal, after elephants and white rhinos. Common hippos weigh about 1.4 to 5 tons.
The answer is in their anatomy. Hippos have short, stocky legs packed with strong muscles that move their massive bodies both on land and along riverbeds.
Even so, hippos can only keep up a fast pace for a short distance.
Can a Man Outrun a Hippo?
Most people can't. A hippo running at 19 to 22 mph is faster than the average person can sprint.
Hippos can't keep up their top speed for long, but you shouldn't count on that. National Geographic calls hippos one of Africa's most dangerous animals.
The safest approach is to keep a wide distance from hippos, both in the water and on land. Never get between a hippo and the water.
Can Usain Bolt Outrun a Hippo?
Usain Bolt's top speed is about 27.8 mph (44.72 km/h), which is faster than a hippo's estimated top speed. But he reached that peak only for a short stretch of his 100-meter race.
So in theory, Usain Bolt could outrun a hippo for a short distance. In practice, distance and caution are what keep people safe.
Can Hippos Run 30 mph?
There's a common claim that hippos can run 30 mph (about 48 km/h). That is higher than most estimates. National Geographic gives up to 22 mph, and other estimates are around 19 mph (30 km/h).
Final Thought
Hippos are large semi-aquatic mammals, the third largest on land after elephants and white rhinos. They can run about 19 to 22 mph over short distances, faster than most people. Claims of 30 mph aren't supported.
Stay well away from hippos in the wild instead of relying on outrunning one.
Sources
- Hippopotamus facts and photos, National Geographic
- Hippopotamus, African Wildlife Foundation
