Rhino attacks on humans are extremely rare. By nature they are mainly solitary animals and will only charge if feeling threatened, something more common in the case of a mother protecting her calf.

Animals rarely, if ever attack without warning. The key is to be aware of the signs they exhibit. In the case of rhinos, they will show their irritation with curled tails, snorts, or stomping/digging at the ground.

When they get irritated enough, the first charge is often a “mock” charge, stopping short of a full on attack.

We were once charged by a male rhino who was following a female and calf, in hopes of breeding. The warning given to us was a quick snort and prolonged stare in our direction. He charged at the vehicle but stopped short of any real damage.

Needless to say, we apologized and left very quickly.

The male in the front was hoping for further…