A bull elephant in musth displays its strength and projects anger by holding its head high and curling its trunk backwards.

Intimidation

Kenya, Africa

Musth in bull elephants is characterized by aggressive behavior fueled by a spike in reproductive hormones. In this state, bulls protect any females in estrus and aggressively fight off any competing males. This bull in Kenya approached our vehicle warning us to stay clear.

This bull’s strength and dominance is effectively projected with its head and tusks held high, the trunk curled backward, and its agitated pacing about. Signs of musth also include urine-soaked legs and temporal gland discharge.

Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.

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