The hippopotamus is the third heaviest land mammal after the elephant and the white rhino. They can weigh up to 4000 lbs and can move very quickly on land, running at speeds up to 18 mph. Hippo have been listed as one of the most dangerous killers in Africa, due more to their territorial temperament than their nature. Older hippos get more easily irritated and it is these older bulls, having been forced out of their family group, often with mortal wounds, that cause the many deaths in Africa each year. Despite their size, power and ferocious nature Hippos will scuttle to the safety of water at the slightest sign of danger. They outweigh a lion 10 times yet the sight or smell of one sends them into a frantic headlong charge towards the water knocking down whatever stands in front of them. Hippos live in family groups with a couple of older cows supervising the younger ones and the babies while the dominant bull will keep any territorial challenger at bay. Often bulls will fight to the death but most of the time the weaker bull will yield and run. There are plenty of stories around of ferocious hippos that charge out of the water for no reason, trying to kill all passers by. While some old bulls do get defensive and easily annoyed, the majority of hippos are shot while they are in the water at about 50 yards. The bull is selected and the hunter walks up to the bank of the river or pond and waits for the hippo to present a good head shot. The hippo will usually float to the surface within half an hour or so of being successfully shot, or will be visible in shallow water. Hippo makes excellent lion bait.   The most common shot is the brain shot, directly between the eyes or between the eye and the ear are the best points of aim. The .375 magnum is the minimum legal requirement for shooting hippo.