You’re right to ask this question. Their crazy aggression and powerful physical strength are some things that should be noted. They can charge into cars and severely damage them, like a head-on collision. They can bite boats and crocodiles in half, for God’s sake. But, public perception is another. I think the reason why hippos are able to kill so ɱaпy people is because people someᴛι̇ɱes don’t take them seriously enough. People think hippos would be safe and even fun to encounter or go near. I can understand why in a way. Just look at this:
A hippo looks like a big funny tub of lard. They strongly resemble overweight pigs. Cartoon characters like Hyacinth from Disney’s Fantasia have convinced folks that hippos are silly and funny, like a fat best friend. And, their honks and wheezes sound amusing. So, when a hippo opens its jaws wide, people think the hippo is sleepy or happy to see them, when in reality the hippo is telling them to back off now. They can’t imagine something like that running more than maybe 3 mph (they can reach speeds of 19–30 mph, if they’re really provoked. Unless you’re Usain Bolt, a world champion Olympic runner and literally one of the fastest huɱaпs on Earth, you won’t outrun a hippo).
Thankfully, the public perception of them is changing now that people are seeing how dangerous they are. There’s a reason why the Egyptians revered hippos as fearsome beasts and why angry Egyptian deities often transformed into hippos before they’d fight. There’s a reason why Zulu warriors wanted to be equated to hippos in terms of strength and courage, even more so than lions. They’re big, fearsome animals.
Because they’re aggressive as hell! Once you enter their territory, the hippopotamus will chase you with the speed of 40km per hour. They are more aggressive during the mating and breading period. Also have you seen their jaw? It’s horrendous.