Although they are often classified as herbivores or grazers, hippos have been known to occasionally engage in carnivorous behaviors. They sometimes scavenge on dead animals found near their habitats and have been observed hunting and consuming meat, including fish, antelopes, and even livestock. While these instances of meat-eating are fairly rare compared to their usual herbivorous diet, scientists are still studying these behaviors to understand the full scope of hippo food preferences and habits.