Can Rhinos Actually Extinguish Fires?

Quck answer

Rhinos are known to be one of the largest and most powerful land animals on earth, but can they really stomp out fires? While there have been reports of rhinos stamping out small fires in the wild, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Rhinos are not adapted to fight fires and may even be endangered by trying to do so. It is important to rely on trained firefighters and proper fire management techniques to prevent and control wildfires.

Wild Animals

In the movie “The Gods Must Be Crazy” released in 1980, a rhino is seen as a “self-appointed fire prevention officer” in the bush. The rhino quickly puts out a small campfire started by a human. This scene makes sense because everyone knows that rhinos prioritize safety. However, it is just a myth. In a 1974 survey of scientific literature on rhinoceros, it was found that the Burmese believed that rhinos were attracted to campfires and would trample and devour them. These stories are merely passed along by indigenous groups and have no scientific backing. Moreover, rhinos are not fond of humans and may attack them instead of putting out fires. Rhinos come in different types, and the black rhinos native to Africa have never been accused of eating fire. The legend of the fire-eating Asian rhino might have been mistaken for the fire-stomping African rhino.

It is essential to note that the ancient rhino had no predators because of its enormous size and lethal horns. The modern rhino is also hard-pressed to find anyone willing to confront it. The myth of the rhino putting out fires might have continued because people do not want to accept that an animal has no weakness. However, we need to understand that rhinos are deadly kings of the jungle rather than concerned public safety officers portrayed in myth and entertainment.

Additional Information

Related Articles

• What makes rhinos charge at unfamiliar things?
• Test your knowledge with the Rhinoceros Quiz
• Discover the 10 superhero powers found in the animal kingdom
• Did Mrs. O’Leary’s cow really start the Great Chicago Fire?
• Learn how to start a fire without matches
• Why do people believe in things that science has disproved?
• 10 signs of a modern mass extinction
• Should we encourage the breeding of endangered species?

Sources

• Gaines, James. “Do Rhinos Put Out Fires?” The Glyptodon. Aug. 24, 2013. (Dec. 31, 2014) http://theglyptodon.wordpress.com/2013/08/24/do-rhinos-put-out-fires/
• Goldbaum, Ellen. “In Solving an Ancient Whodunit, UB Geologists Conclude That Even in the Miocene, the Rhino Reigned Supreme.” University at Buffalo. March 31, 2004. (Dec. 31, 2014) http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2004/03/6642.html
• Okori, Joseph. “Did You Know?” World Wildlife Foundation. 2015. (Dec. 31, 2014) http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/rhinoceros/q_a_joseph_okori/
• San Diego Zoo. “Rhinoceros.” 2014. (Dec. 31, 2014) http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/rhinoceros
• SOS Rhino. “Frequently Asked Questions.” (Dec. 31, 2014) http://www.sosrhino.com/knowledge/faq.php
• “The Gods Must Be Crazy.” Directed by Jamie Uys. Columbia Films. 1980.
• The New York Times. “Q&A.” June 28, 1988. (Dec. 31, 2014) http://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/28/science/q-a-114788.html
• The Simpsons. “Episode 218.” FOX. 1999
• Van Strien, NJ. “The Sumatran or Two-Horned Asiatic Rhinoceros.” Agricultural University. 1974. (Dec. 31, 2014) http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/117/1178933701.pdf
• World Wildlife Foundation. “Black Rhinoceros.” 2015. (Dec. 31, 2014) http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/teacher_resources/best_place_species/back_from_the_brink/black_rhinoceros.cfm

FAQ

1. Do rhinos have any natural ability to fight fires?

While rhinos do have some natural abilities to fight fires, such as their thick skin and ability to charge at objects with great force, they are not trained or used for this purpose.

2. Can rhinos be trained to fight fires?

There is no evidence to suggest that rhinos can be trained to fight fires. In fact, it would be dangerous and unethical to try to use them in this way.

3. What is the origin of the myth that rhinos stomp out fires?

The myth likely originated from observations of rhinos charging through grasslands and knocking over burning brush or grass in their path. However, this behavior is not intentional and is not a reliable method for extinguishing fires.

4. Have there been any documented cases of rhinos extinguishing fires?

While there are anecdotes of rhinos accidentally extinguishing fires, there are no documented cases of them intentionally doing so.

5. What animals are used to fight fires?

Animals that are commonly used to fight fires include dogs, horses, and goats. These animals are trained to help locate and extinguish fires, or to clear brush and other flammable materials from the area.

6. Why are animals used to fight fires?

Animals can be useful in fighting fires because they can access areas that are difficult or impossible for humans or machinery to reach. They can also help to clear brush and other flammable materials from an area, which can help prevent fires from starting or spreading.

7. How do firefighters use animals to fight fires?

Firefighters may use animals to help locate and extinguish fires, or to clear brush and other flammable materials from an area. For example, dogs may be used to sniff out fires, while goats may be used to clear brush and other flammable materials from the area.

8. Are there any risks to using animals to fight fires?

There are some risks associated with using animals to fight fires, such as the risk of injury to the animals or the risk of the animals inadvertently spreading the fire. However, these risks can be mitigated through proper training and safety measures.

9. What other methods are used to fight fires?

Other methods used to fight fires include using water or foam to extinguish flames, using fire retardant chemicals to slow the spread of the fire, and creating fire breaks by clearing brush and other flammable materials from the area.

10. Can humans learn anything from animals about fighting fires?

While animals may not be able to fight fires in the same way that humans do, there are still lessons that humans can learn from them. For example, goats are known for their ability to clear brush and other flammable materials, which can be a useful strategy in preventing fires from starting or spreading.

11. How can people help prevent fires?

People can help prevent fires by being careful with fire, such as by properly extinguishing cigarettes or campfires, and by being mindful of flammable materials such as dry brush or leaves. They can also help by reporting fires as soon as they are spotted, so that they can be extinguished before they spread.

12. What should people do if they encounter a fire?

If people encounter a fire, they should immediately call emergency services and move to a safe location. They should not attempt to fight the fire themselves, unless they have been properly trained and equipped to do so.