Rhinoceroses are among the largest land mammals. There are five extant species—the White, Black, Indian, Javan, and Sumatran rhinoceros—all possessing the size and power to inflict lethal injury. Rhinos are responsible for human deaths, but these incidents are rare compared to other large megafauna.
The Frequency and Context of Attacks
Rhinos are not high on the list of Africa’s deadliest animals. The hippopotamus is estimated to kill around 500 people annually, and elephants are responsible for a few hundred deaths each year, dwarfing the number attributed to rhinos. While exact global statistics are difficult to compile, rhino fatalities are counted in the single digits or low tens per year.
The majority of fatal encounters occur under specific circumstances, often involving accidental close-range surprise encounters where the rhino is startled. These attacks are sometimes linked to the work of anti-poaching units operating in close proximity to the animals in dense bush. Typical safari viewing, where distance is maintained from a vehicle, rarely results in a charge or fatality.
Behavioral Causes of Rhino Charges
A primary factor driving a rhino’s decision to charge is its poor eyesight. These animals can only see clearly for about 30 feet, meaning a large, indistinct shape is often perceived as an immediate threat. When startled, their instinct is to eliminate the perceived danger rather than flee.
Rhinos compensate for limited vision with acute senses of hearing and smell, which they rely upon to navigate and identify threats. Charges are defensive reactions, often triggered by territorial defense, especially by solitary older males. A mother protecting her calf is also a common and predictable cause for a charge.
When charging, rhinos can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, making them fast for their massive size. The immense force of their multi-ton body, combined with momentum, is concentrated through the horn, which is made of keratin. This mechanism is designed to gore and impale, making the resulting injuries catastrophic.
Temperament Differences Among Species
Not all rhinoceros species exhibit the same level of volatility. The Black Rhino is known for its unpredictable and less social temperament, often charging defensively or aggressively with little warning. They are solitary and quick to react to a stimulus in their dense habitat.
The White Rhino, which is larger, possesses a calmer disposition and is often seen grazing in social groups called crashes. They prefer flight over confrontation in open grasslands, making them less reactive than black rhinos. The three Asian species—the Indian, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos—inhabit dense forests, limiting direct human contact.
Avoiding Confrontation in Rhino Territory
The most effective way to avoid an encounter is to maintain distance and avoid creating surprise. Since rhinos rely heavily on their sense of smell, approaching from downwind can prevent them from detecting human presence and becoming alarmed. Remaining quiet and moving slowly helps prevent sudden noises or movements that their poor eyesight might misinterpret.
Knowing the signs of agitation can help prevent a full charge. A rhino that is snorting loudly, holding its head low, or shaking its head is signaling its intent to attack. If a charge is unavoidable, one option is to use a large, sturdy obstacle, like a tree trunk or boulder, as a shield. Running in a zig-zag pattern can also break the momentum of their charge, as they cannot turn quickly.