A hippo was captured hiding in a pond by camouflaging itself with floating weeds before launching an attack on one of its rivals at Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya last week. /VCG Photo

After patrolling a while, the hippo emerged from the water with its ears and nose exposed in the air. /VCG Photo

Suddenly, the large mammal attacked its rival in a territorial duel. /VCG Photo

For hippos, the water is not only their home but also necessary for survival. Though hippo's skin contains a natural sunscreen substance, it cannot prevent the skin from cracking if it stays out of water too long. /VCG Photo