07 January 2011

Close encounters of the elephant kind

Have you ever had a stand off with an elephant in the African bush, while on foot? This elephant was about fifty metres from me when I took this shot and was telling me in no uncertain terms to get lost.


Pictures can be so deceiving. On our way to the Karoo on Monday afternoon we stopped to photograph a small herd of elephants while driving past a private game reserve.  I was on foot and the reason I did not have to beat a hasty retreat was because of the fence. Though I doubt that this fence will stop a determined elephant.


His rantings were all bluster and bravado and he soon strolled off to feed with the rest of the herd. I have seen this behaviour before, where an elephant will pause in its wandering and have words with a warthog or jackal and then continue on its way.

9 comments:

shabby girl said...

WOW! What a perfect photograph! Really beautiful!

Gigi Ann said...

I love those photos, I wonder what he thought you were, a warthog or a jackal? ; )

Katney said...

My close encounter with an elephant was a temple elephant in India. It was very tame. I got to video it as it "blessed" me. It had a runny nose. My group apparently did not come up with enough of a donation, since as soon as it was finished with me its handlers took it back into the temple and my frineds did not get theri "blessing".

mainly mongoose (Lynda) said...

I get nervous just looking at that first photo. I was once chased for 6 km (in a vehicle thank goodness) along very rough bush tracks by an outraged cow. Seriously scary!

Judy said...

That first shot is wonderful! Maybe because the only elephants I have seen have been in the zoo, but I do not feel a threat. Likely I would feel a lot different if there was no fence...

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

Wow, Max. Fence or no fence, you got a stunning photo with him facing you straight on.

TallTchr said...

Excellent photo!

myonlyphoto said...

Max-e that is absolutely amazing shot, but scary thought that you were front of him. Funny thing, I probably be doing the same, shooting pictures. Great opportunity. Anna :)

Eileen Mariane aka Marmsk said...

What can I say, that is a superb photo!