Going on safari is on many people’s wish list. It’s considered the trip of a lifetime and one of the best ways to see majestic wildlife in their natural habitat. When going on a safari, keep in mind that wild animals can be unpredictable. When an African elephant charges them, these tourists know how much it is.
The video begins with an elephant approaching a safari vehicle. One man sat in the front seat in front of the hood while others were inside the vehicle. The driver backed away from the elephant, which began to pick up speed. The guy up front obviously has some experience with wild animals. He gestured and tapped on the hood of the jeep in an attempt to scare the elephant away. However, elephants are not so easily intimidated.
matching speed
The elephant accelerates in line with the vehicle. This is a large African elephant with two large tusks. It will beep when running. Blowing the horn can be a sign of aggression. The person in front of the vehicle looked back at the other people and the driver to make sure they stayed away from the elephant. He was the closest, watching the angry elephant up close.
The rest of the herd retreated. They watch the elephants chase the vehicles, but don’t chase them themselves. There are calves in the herd, which may be why elephants are so protective in the first place. One of the main reasons wild animals charge or engage in aggressive behavior is to protect their young and their territory. Be careful anytime you encounter animals in the wild. But it’s especially important when they have babies nearby.
Eventually, the elephant decided the vehicle was no longer a threat and slowed down. This is after charging for a little over a minute. People were clearly concerned and the driver had been driving backwards to stay away from the elephant throughout the encounter. Safari vehicles are durable and capable of traversing rough terrain. But retreating from a charging elephant is certainly still something no one wants to repeat anytime soon.
Next:
- Watch elephants face off…helicopters?
- African Elephants vs Asian Elephants: 5 Key Differences
- Elephant in safari footage charges at lazy crocodile
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
