A Tall Risk in the Wild
They tower over the trees. But height comes with hazards.
For some, being tall is not ideal. Image source: Shutterstock
Out on the African savanna, giraffes graze quietly, their long necks lifting them high above the grasses. But that same gift of height comes with an unexpected danger.
Giraffes are 30 times more likely to be struck by lightning than people.
Why? Simply put, they’re often the tallest object in the landscape. During storms, there’s nothing else around that reaches so high into the sky.
While lightning strikes are still rare, researchers have documented multiple incidents. One tragic case in South Africa involved two giraffes struck and killed during a single storm—one of them found beneath a scorched tree, the other in the open.
It’s a sobering reminder: sometimes, being the tallest can make you the most exposed.
Learn more about giraffes and lightningHave you ever seen lightning strike close by or had a brush with nature’s raw power? Share your story in the comments. We’re all ears (and hopefully under cover).
