[kellyhound]

Footage recorded in Sri Lanka in early January 2023 shows the dangerous result of wild elephants becoming accustomed to receiving food from passing motorists. The incident occurred in the Monaragala District on a road leading toward Yala National Park, an area where encounters between elephants and vehicles had become increasingly common.

The longer footage shows motorists stopping near the elephant and offering it food as vehicles pass. Eventually, the animal approaches a white tourist van and begins searching for more. When it does not immediately get what it wants, the elephant becomes increasingly forceful, pushing against the vehicle with its head and trunk and reaching inside as the occupants attempt to get away.

Several people, including adults and small children, were inside the van. Some managed to get out while the elephant was occupied with the vehicle, and fortunately no injuries were reported. After the elephant eventually moved away, the occupants returned to the damaged van and were able to leave.

The incident was part of a larger problem along roads near Sri Lanka's national parks. Years of motorists feeding wild elephants had taught some of the animals to approach and even block vehicles looking for food. Wildlife officials warned that an elephant expecting food could become aggressive when nothing was offered, putting both people and the animals at risk. Authorities later announced that motorists caught feeding wild elephants could be arrested and fined in an effort to stop the behavior.

[Guns N' Coffee]

Just give me food!

[William May]

"Timmy, where's your homework?"

"An elephant ate it!"

"Oh.......OK....."


I wonder if this "Sujava Nimsath" guy lured the elephants there with a watermelon, so he could film the mayhem that followed? How did he know to have cameras set up both before the area and after it?

I foresee a train accident in his future! (Or a falling ceiling fan, at least!)

[ajs11961]

Wow. Having a screaming elephant in the window is scary like the colorful bus.
Why don't the drivers (a) back up; or (b) when able speed away?

[AllegedlyHere]

“If people would address me, I wouldn’t be begging for attention.”
- Elephant in the room