Risk factors for attack:
(1) male elephant in musth (a period of very high testosterone secretion, associated with extreme aggressive behavior)
(2) if sick or injured (infected tooth or tusk, etc.)
(3) if harassed
(4) female with small calf
(5) in an area where elephants have been hunted
(6) startled or come upon unawares
A bull elephant in musth (from the Persian for "drunken"):
(1) acts withdrawn
(2) prone to violent outbursts and attacks against anything that annoys or disturbs him
(3) constantly dribbles urine and stinks
(4) secretes an oily liquid from swollen temporal glands
(5) has a swollen trunk base
Aggressive displays in elephants:
(1) holding both ears outward
(2) kicking or stomping the ground
(3) swaying backwards and forwards
(4) trumpeting from a raised trunk
Ways to avoid injury:
(1) Keep as far away as possible.
(2) Avoid making sudden or threatening movements.
(3) Get away as fast as possible if an elephant shows any sign of aggression.
