What looks like a comical tail spin is actually serious business in the hippo world. Captured on the banks of Kruger National Park, this hippo bull steps out of the water and unleashes a...

When a hippopotamus defecates, it engages in “muck-spreading.” This involves the hippo rapidly spinning its short, paddle-like tail, which acts like a propeller. This vigorous tail movement scatters …

Nov 13, 2023 · To help spread their poop — and signals — far and wide, the hippo will use its tail as a propellor to fling the poop around it. They do this by wagging it vigorously to have their feces spread …

Hippos spray their poop by spinning their tails rapidly while defecating. This tail movement acts like a fan, spreading feces in wide arcs—sometimes up to 10 meters. The behavior isn’t random. It’s …

Jan 26, 2022 · A new study working to rectify this lack of knowledge has now discovered that hippos don't like strangers – to the extent that they'll spray the area with poop at the mere sound of strange …

Jan 24, 2022 · Hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) spray dung as a way to mark their territory, but until now, scientists didn't know that an unfamiliar hippo’s call could provoke this behavior in another...

May 21, 2025 · When a hippopotamus defecates, it swings its short, muscular tail in rapid, helicopter-like circles. This tail-flinging behavior results in a widespread spray of dung—earning it nicknames like …

Why do hippos poop like that? Hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) spray dung as a way to mark their territory, but until now, scientists didn't know that an unfamiliar hippo's call could provoke this …

Jul 23, 2025 · Hippos are known for being the most aggressive animals in Africa, but did you know they are also aggressive poopers?

Hippos are not cute. They are Africa's deadliest killer. They also like to spray their poop like a sprinkler.