Wildlife safety during wild elephant encounters near Arugam Bay

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Yuki T.10995 rep2

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

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5 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

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.

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Dinithi S.13590 rep2

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

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Ruwan M.8405 rep2

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

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Elena C.11220 rep2

Should we feed them bananas to make them move

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Yuki T.10995 rep2

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

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Dinithi S.13590 rep2

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