Elephant exhibiting aggressive behavior after dust bathing
During the dry season, after drinking at a waterhole and spraying its back with mud, this elephant retreated from the water to dust bath. I was attracted to this backlit scene as the late afternoon light gave some color to dust that was kicked up. I shot multiple images but when this elephant began to show signs of aggression, I slowly backed off to give it space. There are many signs of aggression an elephants may exhibit when upset and they will use their trunks, ears and movements of its head to indicate this aggression. The ears are held out to make them look larger, they will shake their head from side to side and may raise their trunk. An angry elephant will stand tall, increasing its height by raising its head and chin and look down at an adversary over its tusks. They will often rock a foot, swinging one of the feet up and down, kicking up dust. These signs are their way of letting you know they are uncomfortable and that you should give them space or risk a charge.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.