Why Hippo Battles Are Among the Most Brutal in Nature

Quick Take

• Hippo jaws do something no other fighting animal can match. See their jaw combat →
• Winning a hippo fight goes far beyond mere survival. The victory unlocks something much bigger that reshapes the entire social landscape. Explore the victory stakes →
• These fights often end without a death, yet the consequences for the loser can be just as devastating. See the loser's consequences →

Hippos have some of the most intense mating and dominance battles in the animal kingdom. To prove themselves to females, males assert dominance by fighting one another. These fights can be extremely painful and sometimes even fatal. This YouTube video by BBC Earth shows one of these fights. The hippos clash their wide-open jaws against each other, and it looks extremely painful. Read on to learn more.

Inside Hippos’ Battles for Dominance

Hippos fight for many different reasons. This includes fights over territory and social dominance. However, the most common reason is for mating rights and access to females. This is what is seen in the video above, where two males are fighting for dominance and control. Hippos fight in a manner that is rarely seen elsewhere in the animal kingdom.

One of their most important assets is their powerful jaws. Using their massive jaws, they clash with each other, attempting to grab their opponent’s muzzle in a powerful bite. Because hippos can open their jaws 180 degrees and have sharp canine tusks, their fights become extremely intense and painful. Hippos also use their full body weight to push against one another. While they may not be trying to kill each other, serious injuries often occur and can lead to infection and illness.

While mating fights among animals like elk and deer are intense, hippos take it to another level. Hippo bites can be extremely painful, ripping through flesh, breaking jaws, and fracturing bones. These fights can last for several hours, making them an extremely challenging aspect of hippo life. These fights can take a long time to resolve. The losing hippo often has to submit to the dominant one and turn away from the fight. Some may even leave the territory entirely. The winner typically gains control over the territory and access to the females within it. This is an important aspect of hippo social behavior, as their territories are governed by strict hierarchies. The winners of the fights defend the territory and maintain social order by forcing other aggressive hippos to submit.