wildlife

Protocol for wild elephant encounters on the Buttala Kataragama road in a Tuk Tuk

Asked 5 months agoSeen by 1,674 travellers

Jaxon K.•9485 rep•2

We are driving our three wheeler through the Buttala Kataragama road today. We heard wild elephants often block this road begging for food. What is the safest protocol in an open sided vehicle.

wildlife food transportation

asked 5 months ago

Jaxon K.•9485 rep•2

2 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Stop at a safe distance, at least 50 meters away. Never feed them from a tuk-tuk, as it encourages aggressive begging behavior. Because your vehicle is open and small, you are vulnerable. Wait for a large transport truck or a CTB bus to pass, and tuck your tuk-tuk closely behind it to shadow them past the elephant.

answered 5 months ago

Suresh D.•11900 rep•1

If an elephant approaches your vehicle while you are stopped, do not panic, do not honk your horn, and do not flash your lights. Just put the tuk-tuk in reverse and back away slowly and calmly.