Wild Tusker Goes into Rampage Mode: Pushes Car with Man Trapped Inside Car

Pollachi: Forest officials were just in time to save a man trapped inside the car which the wild tusker charged and pushed off the trail into the bushes

A video of a wild elephant charging and pushing a car into the bushes in the Anamalai tiger reserve in Coimbatore’s region surfaced online and created panic among the local residents.

It was a good day for Saravanan(49), a resident of the EB Quarters in Pollachi when he decided to explore the scenic beauty of the Anamalai forest area with his relatives in two cars on Sunday.

While the cars were crossing the Navamalai region, what was supposed to be a leisure day quickly turned into a nightmare for them when a wild tusker ambushed them from the thick bushes.

Startled and caught off guard, they decided to back the cars, when the elephant managed to block Saravanan’s car and charged right at it.

The video showed the elephant chasing the car and pushing it right off the trail into the wild bushes near them. Luckily the forest officials were at the spot at the right time as they managed to push the wild tusker back into the forest cover.

Saravanan was rescued from the car with minor bruises but was left in utter shock from the close call. Officials stated that there was already a warning call issued about a wild tusker storming the area and the visitors were restricted from entering the region from 5 pm to 10 am.

It’s often these trespassing incidents that cause brutal conflicts in the forest region

A wild tusker going into rampage mode and pushing a car with a person trapped inside is both a terrifying and dramatic incident. Elephants are usually peaceful creatures, but when they feel threatened, agitated, or provoked, their sheer size and strength can lead to dangerous situations. Here’s what could happen in such a scenario and some important points to consider:

What Happened in the Incident?

In this particular situation, a wild tusker likely became agitated—either due to fear, territorial behavior, or other factors—and charged at a vehicle. Elephants are incredibly strong animals, and their ability to push, flip, or even overturn a vehicle is astonishing due to their sheer size (adult male elephants can weigh up to 5,000 kg or more). Here are the typical factors involved in such a scenario:

1. Proximity to the Elephant: The person trapped inside the car might have been too close to the elephant, either while driving through a wildlife corridor, near a forested area, or unknowingly disturbing the elephant’s space.

2. The Elephant’s Reaction: Elephants can become aggressive for several reasons, including:

   • Territorial aggression: Males, especially during musth (a period of heightened sexual activity), can become more aggressive.

   • Surprise or fear: A sudden appearance of a vehicle could startle the elephant, leading to defensive behavior.

   • Protecting its herd: If the tusker was near a herd, it might have felt the need to protect its family members.

3. Damage to the Car: Elephants’ strength makes it possible for them to easily push or flip vehicles. They may also use their tusks to lift or break the car. In this case, the car may have been pushed or rocked violently.

4. Trapped Person’s Situation: If a person was trapped inside the car, they would likely experience a lot of distress and fear. Depending on how severe the rampage was, there could be injuries from the physical impact or stress.

How Did the Person Get Trapped?

There are a few potential reasons why the person could have been trapped:

• The Car’s Doors or Windows Jammed: In an unexpected incident like this, the car doors could get jammed, making it difficult for the person to escape.

• Panic and Confusion: The person might have panicked and failed to react quickly enough in such a high-stress situation, leading to them being trapped inside.

• The Elephant’s Continued Aggression: The tusker’s continued aggression could prevent the person from attempting to escape immediately, as it may be dangerous to try to open the car doors when the elephant is so close.

What Should You Do in Such a Situation?

1. Stay Calm and Stay Inside the Vehicle: If an elephant charges or attacks a vehicle, it’s critical to remain inside the car, keeping the doors locked and windows up.

2. Avoid Making Sudden Movements: Sudden movements could provoke the elephant further. The best option is to stay as still and calm as possible until the elephant leaves.

3. Use the Horn or Lights: If possible, honking the car horn or flashing the lights can sometimes draw attention to the situation, although this could also aggravate the elephant.

4. Seek Help: If you have a phone, call the local wildlife authorities, forest department, or emergency services immediately. They may be able to send help or provide guidance.

5. Wait for the Elephant to Calm Down: Wild elephants usually stop their aggressive behavior after a while if they don’t feel threatened anymore.

How Are Such Incidents Handled?

1. Wildlife Authorities: In many cases, local wildlife authorities or forest rangers are called to handle the situation. They may try to create a safe escape route or redirect the elephant using non-lethal methods like loud sounds or controlled movements.

2. Tranquilizers: If the situation becomes too dangerous and the elephant’s aggression doesn’t subside, authorities may resort to tranquilizing the animal to prevent further harm.

3. Educating the Public: Preventing such incidents is key. Public education about how to behave in wildlife areas—keeping a safe distance, avoiding sudden movements, and following guidelines—is important for both the safety of humans and elephants.

4. Designated Wildlife Zones: Some areas have dedicated wildlife corridors or vehicles that guide tourists through safer paths to minimize human-elephant interactions.

Recent Examples of Similar Incidents

This kind of scenario is not completely unheard of, especially in countries with significant wild elephant populations, such as India, Sri Lanka, and Africa. In India, particularly, incidents involving wild elephants in states like Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are common, where elephants sometimes wander into roads or agricultural areas.

In some cases, elephants have even attacked vehicles after feeling threatened, especially in areas where elephants are not used to human presence or vehicles. The rise in human-wildlife conflicts, especially in regions close to wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, has prompted governments to step up safety measures, including better fences, dedicated wildlife corridors, and awareness programs.

Conclusion

In any incident where a wild tusker goes into rampage mode, it’s important for the public to maintain respect and caution in wildlife areas. Vehicles should avoid entering such areas without prior knowledge of the risks, and always follow local guidelines. Wildlife authorities must also continue to monitor such habitats closely to prevent these dangerous encounters and ensure both human and animal safety.

If you or someone you know is involved in such an incident, staying calm, staying in the vehicle, and waiting for professional help is the best course of action.