Night of the HUNGRY HIPPOS! - Summary

Summary

Here is a concise summary of the provided transcript:

**Title:** Encountering Hippos at Night in South Africa's Cricket Game Reserve

**Summary:**

* Coyote Peterson and his crew embark on a nighttime adventure in South Africa's Cricket Game Reserve to spot hippos.
* Using infrared technology and night-vision cameras, they successfully locate and observe four hippos from a safe distance (approximately 30 yards).
* Coyote shares fascinating facts about hippos, highlighting their:
+ Sensitivity to sunlight, leading to nocturnal grazing habits
+ Speed (up to 20 mph) and territorial behavior
+ Massive size (up to 4,000 pounds) and powerful jaws
* Despite the desire for a closer encounter, the team prioritizes safety, acknowledging the hippos' deadly reputation.
* The episode concludes with Coyote reflecting on the fascinating encounter and teasing a potential future return to the reserve for closer observations.

Facts

Here are the key facts extracted from the text, numbered and in short sentences:

**Location and Setting**

1. The location of the encounter is in South Africa, specifically in the Eastern Cape wilderness.
2. The filming takes place in the Cricket Game Reserve, spanning 10 hectares.
3. The event occurs on a night with a full moon.

**Hippopotamus Behavior and Biology**

4. Hippos are most active at night, coming up from rivers and water sources to feed.
5. They can travel up to six miles away from their main water source to graze.
6. Hippos are sensitive to sunlight, which can cause their skin to burn.
7. They can reach speeds of nearly 20 miles per hour on land.

**Hippo Characteristics and Safety**

8. Hippos are considered one of South Africa's most deadly animals.
9. They can weigh nearly 4,000 pounds, making them the third heaviest land animal.
10. Hippos have large ivory tusks and can open their jaws wide, posing a significant threat.
11. Males can be very territorial, battling other males and sometimes killing younger ones.

**Technology Used**

12. Infrared technology and night-vision settings are used to spot and film animals at night.
13. This technology allows cameras to see more than the human eye in darkness.

**Miscellaneous**

14. The Cricket Game Reserve provides refuge for several of South Africa's largest animals, including rhinoceroses, elephants, and hippos.