On Foot African Elephant Encounter #2

This is footage taken from a UGA Study Abroad trip to Kruger National Park in South Africa in June 2007. Our group approached this big bull elephant from a distance. He came closer so we moved back to give him space. After sniffing around, he very unexpectedly charged right at us. Our guide raised his rifle and prepared to fire if needed. At 15 feet away, the elephant suddenly stopped, then turned and walked away. Our guide said in 15 years in the bush this was the closest he had ever come to shooting an animal. It was an amazing show of power from an amazing animal. Overall, a thrilling encounter.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• South
• Africa
• Kruger
• elephant
• UGA
• charge
• encounter

[kylgrv]

Don't kill the elephant. Just fire into the air or tranquilize the beast. Above all, don't kill the animal. You'll make things worse.

[keystopher]

@kylgrv Unfortunately, firing into the air or tranquilizing the animal are not options. If the situation arises, which I admit it shouldn't, the guide has to shoot to kill. If this had happened, it would have been a mistake on our part, and everyone, especially Bruce, would've felt absolutely horrible. This was a first-time situation for Bruce after being in the bush for 15 years. He spends his life protecting elephants from poachers and educating people about them, not trying to kill them.

[ETF]

Btw. this looks a lot more dramatic than it actually was the ranger definitely knew that the elephant was mock charging (something nearly all animals in africa do). In elephants its especially easy to tell because they don't tuck their trunk away during a mock charge.

[keystopher]

@ETF Sorry, but not true at all. Each elephant is an individual and has individual tendencies; it's impossible to tell if it is a mock charge or not. Researchers say most animals determine that mid-charge. We believe this was going to be a full-blown charge but that Bruce (the ranger) faced off the charge. Bruce was shaken up and studied this video quite a bit after it happened; that's a ridiculous assumption that he knew the elephant was going to stop. So, my apologies, but you're wrong.

[D1ZaST4R]

the elephant recognized the gun.. i think it has become instinct on most animals now to know what a gun does.. nice video

[TheSnowbunny412]

So scary to be charged by an elephant!!! But you were in his territory. Respect the wildlife. An elephant would have went down for your enjoyment. I'm glad you guys were safe though.

[SuperMrCRAZYMAN]

@WildlifeObsessed don't forget the size of the animal often makes the difference

[00744mag]

I think your right!

[00744mag]

Good time for a 500 grain 458 WM to the noggin!

[WildlifeObsessed]

@kylgrv Better idea/suggestion - go see for yourself. Unforgetable - I promise !!

[WildlifeObsessed]

@kylgrv Nice idea/concept, but tranquiliser will take 3-5 mins to become effective, so not an option. The Guide was being ultra careful, in placing his gun early to his shoulder, or just 'for effect'. The Elephant never even began a charge - crucial signs are dropped head, trunk tucked under & loud noise, but not trumpet as in this case. Here, he was head & trunk-up & ears out - pure threat display. Been there several times, & I admit it never ceases to scare the living s**t out of me. Cheers

[xxdavid15]

you should of stuck your thumb up its but.. to really piss it off !!!!!!! (south park)

[SuperMrCRAZYMAN]

@kylgrv news flash tranquilizing doesnt happen instantly its takes awhile and it all depends on body size and since elephants are big you would need certain amount to make it fall A sleep

[BeyondLame]

IT'S COMING RIGHT FOR US!

[mydogkanskidrums]

@keystopher I did a level 1 in Field Guiding during the summer and, although all elephants are individuals and very damn intelligent, our instructors said a good indicator to whether it's a mock charge or not is if they make lots of noise or not. If they trumpet, then quite often it's a mock charge. However, if an ele's quiet, then they usually mean business. I don't know if you've heard much about this?