A bull elephant in musth explodes upward spraying dirt and exhibiting its strength during a display of intimidation.

Spraying Dirt

Kenya, Africa

Musth occurs in mature bull elephants and is characterized by surges in testosterone and other sexual hormones. Spikes in these hormones, as well as adrenalin, can cause a bull to behave aggressively. It is important to remember that during these times an elephant is trying to broadcast their virility, drive off competing males, and demonstrate their viability as a reproductive partner. Bulls have a whole cadre of behaviors to convey their motives, and wise men and beasts alike should respect them.

After completely burying its tusks into the dried lakebed in Kenya, this agitated elephant launched itself up from a kneeling position, and in a massive display of strength ripped its tusks out of the ground. It shook its head violently from side to side, loudly slapping its ears against its body. The tusks and trunk sent soil flying in all directions. To say this display was impressive would be understatement, and we left as soon as we could.

Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.

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