Watch This Massive Rhino Invade a Busy Street and Come Within Inches of Cars

Downtown areas are usually traffic-filled and there’s a palpable buzz in the air as people move about throughout their days. When a rhino is walking on the main road, however, traffic stops. Perceptions change. Those in their cars can’t help but gaze.

Watch the Amazing Scene Below!

Why Do Rhinos Roam the Streets of Nepal?

The proximity to wildlands means humans and rhinos share close habitats. Nepal is a country that healthy rhino populations call home. Sauraha is a town that sits just outside of Chitwan National Park, where many wild animals roam. There isn’t a ton of vehicle traffic on the streets in this town and it’s not uncommon to see a rhino taking a stroll, its handlers in tow. You may even spot an elephant on the road, sharing space with men traveling on bicycles.

What Other Kind Of Wildlife Roams Freely in Nepal

Chitwan National Park is the first area in Nepal that is protected and houses a variety of wildlife. The valley in this southcentral region is covered with both tropical and subtropical forests. There are over 68 mammal species throughout the park, including the royal Bengal tiger and wild elephant. The gharial crocodile is found here as well as the one-horned rhinoceros. There are 544 bird species flying throughout the park and 22 of those are critically endangered.

Humans and Rhinos, the More the Merrier!

When the video below starts, the town is loud and lively. A huge rhino is in the foreground and in the background, you can see small shops selling drinks, snacks, and hats. The rhino appears content, lazily walking through town as if this is a regular part of its life. The camera pans over to where the rhino is headed, and you can see the painted road and another well-lit building just ahead. There are people walking and some vehicles on the road as well.

Those in vehicles are stopped, waiting for the rhino to pass. They stare out their car windows, admiring the majesty of this massive animal. The rhino owns the streets, weaving around vehicles, trusting the drivers will stop for it. It keeps strolling slowly on the road, passing several more vehicles to its right. Those hoping for a wildlife encounter certainly got more than they bargained for this day! Bystanders look on in awe and some pedestrians follow the rhino, getting incredible up-close footage of the gentle giant.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jolanda Aalbers/Shutterstock.com