OneCeylon
wildlife
All questions

Safety rules for wild elephant encounters on hiking adventure

Seen by 1,166 travellers
Jump to the accepted answer
N
Noah D.•8750 rep•2

We rented a scooter and will be driving near Habarana What is the absolute safest thing to do if a wild elephant is blocking the road

29
wildlifehikingtransportationsafety

6 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted answer

Outdated Information: This answer is over 6 months old. Prices, schedules, or availability may have changed. Please verify current information before making travel plans.

STOP immediately. Keep a distance of at least 50 meters. 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 will charge a scooter in seconds. Wait patiently for the elephant to cross into the jungle. If it walks toward you, back your scooter away slowly.

36
B
Bhante S.•10715 rep•2

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

34
B
Bhante S.•10715 rep•2

Never try to speed past them. They move much faster than you think and can easily swipe you off the bike.

30
D
Dr. Nimal.•7325 rep•2

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

28
E
Emma L.•7790 rep•2

If locals in vans stop and wait, you do the exact same thing. Do not try to be a hero.

28
E
Emma L.•7790 rep•2

Should we feed them bananas to make them move

15
N
Noah D.•8750 rep•2

You must be logged in to post an answer.

Log in to answer

Related questions

Browse all questions