A person who encounters a rhinoceros may be at risk for serious injury.
Type of Rhinoceros
Risk of Injury
black
considerable
white
very small
The black rhinoceros has poor eyesight but excellent hearing. It will charge anytime that it feels threatened, even if the triggering event seems innocuous to a human. The basic rhino philosophy might be to gore first and ask questions later.
Risk factors for injury:
(1) running away from a rhinoceros
(2) approaching the rhinoceros on foot
(3) approaching the rhinoceros in a small vehicle
(4) inexperience with the animals
(5) being in the path of a charging rhinoceros
(6) a sick or injured rhinoceros
Lying down and very still may be the best strategy although this does not guarantee safety.
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