Safety during wild elephant encounters on rural roads

Asked about 7 hours agoViewed 910 times
L
Liam K.3010 rep2
asked about 7 hours ago

We are renting a tuktuk. What is the absolute safest thing to do if we encounter a wild elephant blocking a rural dirt road.

37
asked about 7 hours ago
L
Liam K.3010 rep2

8 Answers

Accepted Answer

STOP immediately. Turn off your engine and your headlights (if it is night). DO NOT honk your horn, flash lights, or shout. Wild elephants are easily startled and can easily crush a tuk-tuk. Keep a distance of at least 50 meters. Wait patiently for the elephant to cross the road into the jungle. If it walks toward you, put the tuk-tuk in reverse and back away slowly.

35
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answered about 7 hours ago
S
Suresh D.3740 rep1

If locals in vans or trucks stop and wait, you do the exact same thing.

49
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answered about 6 hours ago
A
Amali S.3820 rep1

If the ears are flared out and the trunk is tucked, it means they are agitated. Back up fast.

46
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answered about 6 hours ago
C
Chloe F.3480 rep2

NO! Throwing food teaches them to attack vehicles looking for more food. It is highly illegal.

43
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answered about 6 hours ago
S
Suresh D.3740 rep1

Should we feed them to distract them.

40
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answered about 6 hours ago
L
Liam K.3010 rep2

Never try to speed past them. They move much faster than you think.

35
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answered about 6 hours ago
A
Amali S.3820 rep1

We had this happen near Yala. We just sat in silence for 20 minutes until it moved. Terrifying but amazing.

28
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answered about 7 hours ago
C
Chloe F.3480 rep2

Got it. Engine off, lights off, stay silent.

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answered about 6 hours ago
L
Liam K.3010 rep2

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