H2_W4_006

Date: 2020

Location: Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Did you know?

When an elephant is annoyed or uncomfortable, it will mock charge to tell you to back off. Mock charges are also a good way for the elephant to figure out if you are a threat or can be easily intimidated. Most Elephant charges are mock charges. It involves a lot of ear flapping, head shaking, mud kicking, and loud trumpeting. The elephant then runs towards you with ears spread out, head held high, and trumpeting loudly.

About the picture

This majestic tusker was photographed very early in the morning at Bandipur National Park. He was grazing very contentedly. We waited for about 30 minutes until he gradually moved into the perfect position with a perfect background of the forest. The entire forest was green at the end of the rainy season in October.

Fun Fact

Not all male Asiatic Elephants have tusks. A tuskless male is called a ‘makhna’.