Safari Tourist Captures Incredible Stand-Off Between Elephant Herd And Wild Dogs
During a recent safari trip to the Kruger National Park we were lucky to experience one of the most adrenaline filled and action-packed wildlife sightings in a very long time. It was during a late morning safari when we came across a small herd of elephants standing in the distance in a dry riverbed. Watching from a distance we quickly realized that the elephants looked nervous and their behavior clearly showed that they were on the edge. Initially it was hard to imagine what on earth could possibly make the largest land mammal on earth so nervous. Suddenly we heard the loud trumpeting coming from all the various members in the herd. Our safari guide decided to drive closer so we could see what was going on. We were very surprised when we discovered a small group of African wild dogs standing in front of the elephants. Compared to the elephants, these wild dogs were totally out sized. Despite the size difference, the wild dogs literally drove the elephants absolutely crazy. It looked like a David vs Goliath scenario. The elephants were trumpeting and showing aggression towards the wild dogs. With their flapping ears, aggressive posture and extremely loud trumpeting noise, the elephants would run towards the predators in an attempt to chase them off. Thinking that the wild dogs would move off with such giants charging towards them, we were amazed by the reaction of the wild dogs. As if they could not be bothered by the size of the elephants, the wild dogs would stand their ground and charge back towards the elephants. The elephants would turn around and run away not too far and then come back charging towards the wild dogs. Eventually one male elephant totally lost it and showed that he had enough of this whole ordeal. The bull elephant came running from a distance at full speed and was not going to stop this time. The wild dogs realized that this big bull elephant meant business and finally ran off to leave the elephants in peace. Even though there were no young elephants in the herd at risk of getting eaten by the wild dogs, elephants in general do not tolerate the presence of any predator in the African bush. On the other hand, even though the wild dogs would never have managed to bring down such big elephants, they are renowned for harassing pretty much any animal they find during their hunting journeys through the bush. It all happened in less than a minute before everything was calm and peaceful again. Definitely a sight not to be forgotten quickly.
