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

Asked about 6 hours agoViewed 2093 times
S
Sophia M.2540 rep2
asked about 6 hours ago

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.

4
asked about 6 hours ago
S
Sophia M.2540 rep2

8 Answers

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.

34
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answered about 6 hours ago
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Amali D.1740 rep1

Should we feed them bananas to distract them.

48
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answered about 5 hours ago
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Sophia M.2540 rep2

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

45
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answered about 5 hours ago
S
Sophia M.2540 rep2

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

23
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answered about 5 hours ago
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Kamal P.6280 rep1

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

22
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answered about 6 hours ago
K
Kamal P.6280 rep1

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

20
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answered about 5 hours ago
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Amali D.1740 rep1

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

7
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answered about 5 hours ago
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Oliver B.650 rep2

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

5
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answered about 6 hours ago
O
Oliver B.650 rep2

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