Stampede facts for kids
Imagine a huge group of animals or people suddenly running all at once. This fast, uncontrolled rush is called a stampede. It happens when a group acts together, often because they feel scared or threatened.
Contents
What is a Stampede?
A stampede is when many animals or people start running together without control. It's like a sudden, powerful wave of movement. This often happens very quickly. The group acts as one, usually trying to escape something they see as dangerous.
Why Do Stampedes Happen?
Stampedes usually start because of a "perceived threat." This means the animals or people think something bad is going to happen. It could be a loud noise, a predator, or even just a sudden movement. When one animal or person gets scared and runs, others quickly follow. This creates a chain reaction. Everyone starts running to get away from the danger.
Animals That Stampede
Many different animals can stampede. It's most common in animals that live in large groups, called herds. Some animals known for stampeding include:
- Cattle: Like cows and bulls, especially when they are being moved.
- Elephants: These large animals can be very powerful when they stampede.
- Wildebeests: Huge herds of wildebeests often stampede during their migrations.
- Walruses: These large sea mammals can also stampede, especially on land.
- Wild horses: Herds of wild horses can run very fast and far during a stampede.
- Rhinoceroses: Though often solitary, groups of rhinos can also stampede.
Images for kids
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Cattle stampede
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Annual Saskatchewan Cattle Drive through Val Marie
See also
In Spanish: Estampida para niños
