The hippopotamus, often called a hippo, is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. They are known for their massive size, with adults weighing between 3,000 to 8,000 pounds. Hippos spend much of their time in water, which helps keep their bodies cool under the hot sun. They have large mouths and tusks, which they use for defense and fighting. Hippos are social animals that live in groups called pods, typically consisting of 10 to 30 individuals. They are primarily active at night, grazing on grasses. Despite their seemingly docile nature, hippos can be very aggressive and are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.