Most charges made by elephants are mock charges. That is, the elephant is pretending to charge but is actually testing you out to see if you’re aggressive or a non-threat. [2] X Research source
Being able to recognize the difference between an elephant who is making a mock charge and an elephant who is about to trample you may save your life.
The more pronounced these displacement activities, the more likely the elephant is making a threatening show out of fear and has no intention to really charge.
Being downwind should prevent the elephant from making either a mock or a real charge.
If you do run, the intent should be to place as much distance between yourself and the elephant. Elephants that are scared, upset, or angered can run up to 35–40 km/h (22–25 mph), while the fastest human being clocks in at around 37 km/h (23 mph) for a short sprint.
If you do hide somewhere, be aware that you must be absolutely still and quiet, since elephants have acute hearing. [8] X Research source
Keep in mind that the elephant might rip a small or dead tree down.
Be warned that if the ditch isn’t wide or deep enough, the elephant may find its way around and start attacking you with its trunk.
While it’s attacking the decoy, run as far from the elephant as you can.
Try anything: roar like a lion or shout “no” over and over. If you’re carrying a backpack, shake it to make noise. You can also shake small bushes or trees to create a rattling sound.
As you’d expect, it is very hard to stand still when an elephant is bearing down on you. You’ll need to muster up courage and stand your ground.
Instead, try making yourself look big and confident. Raise your arms above your head and take a step forward toward the elephant.
Loudly and repetitively shouting “No!” or “Go away!” is good if you can’t think of anything else to yell.
