Driver Illustrates Why You Should Never Be Complacent Around Rhinos

Television programmes like Planet Earth are awesome because they give viewers a look at some of nature's most incredible beings. But travelling to some of these locations is even better because you're actually get to witness wildlife in its purest form.

However, adventurists should always be aware that when they decide to go into an animal's territory, anything can happen.

That's what some keen people experienced in South Africa's Kruger National Park when they stopped along a road to look at some nearby rhinos.

Credit: Newsflare

It looks like they might have paused for too long because the horned beast realised it was being watched and started to charge towards them. The driver is so concerned about getting the fuck out of there that they nearly swerve into the national park official's car.

The Kruger National Park is one of the biggest in Africa, spanning nearly 20,000 km² and has been protected by the government since 1898.

As of 2009, it had more than 11,000 elephants, which, like rhinos, can get a bit pissed off if you get too close:

On the YouTube video, the description reads: "Scenes like this are too familiar to regular visitors of Kruger National Park. Just be patient and wait your turn. Animals have right of way here.

"This driver almost payed a dear price when the Elephant charged it. Luckily he escaped but was blocked by cars in the road on the other side of the Elephant. Never really thought it through I suppose."

The national park also boats thousands of buffalo, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, leopards, wildebeest, hyenas, lions, impalas and others. Because of this plethora of animals, more than 650 park rangers are employed to constantly be on the lookout for poachers.

Staff have two drones and two helicopters to regularly patrol the park for those trying to hide. There were 200 poachers apprehended in 2012, with the majority coming from neighbouring Mozambique. Rhino horns are a huge target for big game poachers, as they can sell for $66,000 (£48,905) per kilogram.

The park also allows people to stay with dozens of camps and designated private lodges available. But if you're planning on heading to the area, take notice of the videos above and remember to keep your distance while observing nature. That'll make sure that you don't come home from your holiday with a mauled leg or worse.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: south africa, Wildlife, Elephant, rhino

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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