Dangerous Animal Incidents

[Scipio]

Nooo, not speculating at all, I am just finding that the ellies are really pissed off. Same as in the 90's when they culled. And then the freezers in Skuks was fixed up nicely by the guy that killed all those impala.

But I am sure SANParks will let know if they start the culling.

[Lisbeth]

But I am sure SANParks will let know if they start the culling.

Do you?

Anyhow this had to happen sooner or later. Not everybody understand what's the safe distance from an elephant.

[Toko]

Perhaps SANParks should tell the tourists what is a safe distance I think in all the brochures and permits etc I have seen over the years, there is no distance in meters mentioned

[Sprocky]

There is no "safe" distance! To get close you need to know the temperament of the individual animal.

[Scipio]

There is no "safe" distance! To get close you need to know the temperament of the individual animal.

[Richprins]

Generally the most important thing is not to get caught in the middle of a breeding herd with females and calves. Then you have your displaying bulls that parade up and down the road having "fun" intimidating vehicles, normally not dangerous but reversing and waiting is prudent. In fact, better safe than sorry is the motto!

You do get the crazy "musth" bulls, but that is very rare indeed and there is not much you can do about that. They diagnostically have wet hind legs due to constant urine activity...the leaking temporal glands do not necessarily indicate a sign of danger.

A safe distance is to just be about 20 metres "past" the bull regarding the route, with your engine running, so that you can move along quickly should he charge or flap ears etc. A safe distance for breeding herds is 100m if possible, and it is important to stress that one checks the bush on both sides of the road upon arrival, that is the driver's job, and he/she should do that first, even if the elephants all appear to be across the road already. When in doubt reverse and watch.

Elephants are not stupid, and are very aware of their priorities. For example, at an ellie "roadblock", I have often welcomed even a small truck, passing the waiting vehicles and simply chasing the elephant/s away.

As Sprocky and Scips say, with experience, one may guage the temperament of the animal, and adjust accordingly. But once again, better safe than sorry!

The above is only my experience...hope it helps!

[Bushcraft]

RP

[nan]

right

[iNdlovu]

Wow, a million assumptions you guys are living in a dream world. The damage to that car is nothing compared to what an ellie can do when ticked off. Where do all the ideas that the ellie was hit or bumped into come from? Eish
Those animals are huge and amazingly powerful a little Hyndai Getz is nothing more than a paper bag to them.

[Richprins]

You are speculating, Boss! -O