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Although human intelligence can outsmart all other species, our physical abilities are no match for some animals’ strength or speed. You may look at an elephant or a hippo and think you can outrun it, but would do better to avoid situations where you end up being chased by one.
5 Animals You Think You Can Outrun But Would Not Want To Be Chased By
5 Animals You Think You Can Outrun But Would Not Want To Be Chased By
Underestimated animals that are surprisingly fast
Although human intelligence can outsmart all other species, our physical abilities are no match for some animals’ strength or speed. You may look at an elephant or a hippo and think you can outrun it, but would do better to avoid situations where you end up being chased by one.
Grizzly bear
The North American brown bear, also known as the grizzly, is the fastest ursine species. Capable of running at 64 km/h, its speed alone is reason enough to not take a chance with one. That’s not even accounting for these bears’ formidable size, strength and sharp claws.
Hippopotamus
You don’t want to be chased by the hippo either. Do not mistake its bulky, barrel-shaped for clumsiness. On land, hippos can outrun humans with a top speed of 48 km/h. Add to that the extremely-territorial and aggressive nature of these pachyderms.
Elephant
Being the largest terrestrial mammal does not stop the elephant from being a fast runner. It’s nearly impossible to outrun a clever chaser that can clock 40 km/h. Elephants normally don’t even charge unless provoked, but their unfathomable weight and strength are a force to be reckoned with.
Kanagaroo
Kangaroos aren’t just jacked bipedalists that can put up a fight or knock you out with a kick. These oft-underestimated marsupials can reach speeds of up to 71 km/h over short distances, making them faster than most horses. Good luck escaping a hopper like that.
Black mamba
The black mamba, a highly-venomous snake species, also has the distinction of being the fastest on land. While 19 km/h might not look like much, this snake can get aggressive, should it feel threatened, and deliver a bite so potent, it can kill you without treatment.