Big Elephant Tusker Crushes Ground in Powerful Display

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The dramatic video sequence was sent to Latest Sightings by Meg Redfern. As a field guide apprentice, she was assisting with a Safari at Royal Malewane.

Meg and everyone in the vehicle encountered a lone elephant bull during their game drive. As shown below, the elephant boasted an impressive pair of near-symmetrical tusks.

The bull appeared fairly relaxed, helped no doubt by the sensitive actions of the driver, who pulled over to enjoy the sighting.

The elephant even made its way closer to the vehicle, seemingly interested in browsing from a nearby bush.

But, If you look carefully behind its left eye, a line of secretion is visible on its cheek. This elephant may be in a period known as musth.

Moments later, the elephant shakes its massive head while flaring its ears. This is a clear warning that it is not happy about something.

The bull then resumes the resting trunk posture. Elephant behaviourists have determined that contrary to its relaxed appearance, doing so is meant to intimidate an adversary.

The bull then resumes the resting trunk posture. Elephant behaviourists have determined that contrary to its relaxed appearance, doing so is meant to intimidate an adversary.

The bull then resumes the resting trunk posture. Elephant behaviourists have determined that contrary to its relaxed appearance, doing so is meant to intimidate an adversary.

Lowering its massive head in a show of strength, the elephant puts the tip of its tusks to the ground.

Using its immense weight and power, the elephant then ploughs its tusks into the earth. It's at this time that the guide decides to give the bull a bit more space. His tracker, seated at the front of the vehicle agrees.

As they give way, the elephant sinks to it knees, further lowering its head as it tears up the earth.

As the vehicle backs up further, the elephant continues to dig up the ground in front of it.

As mentioned earlier, musth is a temporary period when a male elephant's testosterone levels increase sixty-fold. It is associated with heightened sexual activity.

Facial secretions and constantly dribbling urine are signs that an elephant is in musth. The musky smell of urine is heavy in the air.

Musth often causes unprovoked aggression and unpredictable behaviour. Accordingly, it is best to avoid musth bulls.

While the facial secretion and warning behaviours are consistent with musth, there is no sign of dribbling urine. Maybe this individual was either at the beginning or end of a musth phase.

Or perhaps he was just having a bad day and didn't want company...

Understanding animal behaviour is hugely beneficial when viewing wildlife. As seen, seemingly benign actions may actually be warnings.

By knowing what to look for, you can avoid potentially dangerous situations. Furthermore, your affinity for all creatures will grow as you begin to interpret what they are doing and why.