A hippopotamus chased a boat carrying tourists along a canal in Botswana, and the encounter was caught on video. People magazine reported the incident.
The footage was filmed by tourist Oznur Belle, who said her group was travelling between two safari camps. The boat first passed an elephant, then came close to a male hippo lurking in the water.
Belle said the guide immediately slowed the boat to avoid disturbing the animal, then calmly told the group to hold on because they needed to speed up before it decided to chase them. As the boat accelerated, the hippo tried to attack.
Chase caught on camera
The video shows the animal leaping out of the water several times as it followed close behind the boat. The pursuit lasted only seconds before the hippo disappeared underwater. Belle said the guides were smiling with relief by the end of the clip, admitting everyone had been genuinely frightened for a moment.
Guides said hippos rarely chase boats, though they are considered among the most dangerous animals in Africa. Wildlife experts advise keeping a safe distance and avoiding sudden movements or loud noises around them.
