Giraffes only feed or drink at ground level by spreading their front legs - longer than their hind legs - or bending their knees, after carefully inspecting the surroundings. They often raise their heads between sips, well aware of their perilous posture. In order to protect themselves from predators when drinking, they position themselves so as to have a circular view of the surroundings and at least one giraffe remains on watch to control the area while the others quench their thirst. When in danger, it alerts the others by making loud snoring-like sounds.