Musth is a phenomenon in male elephants that marks a period of sexual activity. It is driven by a rise in sexual hormones, with testosterone peaking up to 60 times normal. Bull elephants go into musth about once a year, with each cycle usually lasting between two and four months. It is accompanied by aggressive behavior and the urge to procreate. At dawn on a dried-up lakebed in Kenya, this bull elephant was encountered while defending his territory. He approached, swinging his trunk about while holding his ears wide. As he did, he kicked up dirt and tilted his head down. This behavior is intended to intimidate and drive off any and all perceived adversaries.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.