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What to do if a wild elephant blocks the road to your homestay

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Sophia M.•10780 rep•2

We rented a scooter in Habarana. If we encounter a wild elephant standing in the middle of the rural dirt road, what is the safest protocol.

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wildlifetransportationaccommodation

8 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

STOP immediately. Maintain 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 away slowly.

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Amali D.•9050 rep•1

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

50
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Oliver B.•7595 rep•2

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

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Amali D.•9050 rep•1

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

39
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Sophia M.•10780 rep•2

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

34
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Kamal P.•30870 rep•1

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

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Oliver B.•7595 rep•2

Should we feed them bananas to distract them.

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Sophia M.•10780 rep•2

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

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Kamal P.•30870 rep•1

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