Self-driving visitors to Africa’s national parks can freely explore the road network at their own pace. However, for the uninitiated, it can lead to some tense moments, like when elephants get too close.
Ilse McCarthy submitted this heart-stopping footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed the encounter in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Swagger & confidence
As we join Ilse and her companion at the sighting, we see an all-too-familiar sight for Kruger visitors. Ambling up the road toward them, a massive bull elephant is the epitome of swagger and confidence.
For the most part, the wildlife in Kruger has become accustomed to vehicles. In effect, they regard vehicles as part of the scenery and largely ignore them.
Of course, the only thing that is predictable about wildlife is that it is unpredictable. Therefore, it is always better to be cautious and give animals the right of way.
In situations like this, it is often best to move to the opposite side of the road and switch your vehicle off.
Stuck in the middle
However, in this instance, there is a bit of a catch. After aiming her camera at the elephant ahead of them, she turns to show the view out the back window.
There, we see an equally massive bull approaching from behind, and the bulls seem likely to meet where Ilse is parked. With nowhere to go, they find themselves trapped in the middle, unsure what to do.
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A possible complication
As the first bull gets closer, we notice something that might complicate matters. The bull is in a breeding phase known as musth, caused by massively elevated testosterone levels.
The visual indicators of musth include a streaming secretion on the cheeks, continuously dribbling urine onto the back legs, and a swaggering gait. Bulls in this state can become suddenly aggressive.
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Ears flared to intimidate
Meanwhile, the second bull has reached the back of Ilse’s vehicle, where it stands with its ears flared. Elephants flare their ears like this when they feel threatened and want to intimidate their rival.
But whether this posture is directed at Ilse’s vehicle or the other bull is anyone’s guess. Suffice it to say, Ilse and her partner take a deep breath and hope for the best.
Remarkable composure
Turning her camera back to the first elephant, we see that he, too, has his ears flared. Whoever their posturing is aimed at, this is not a great place to be with six tons of mass facing off on either side of you.
Showing remarkable composure, Ilse keeps the camera (relatively) steady while debating their options with her companion.
Ultimately, when the first elephant moves a bit to the side, they decide to put the pedal to the metal. With a sigh of relief, we see the elephant shrinking in the rearview mirror.
