Bite-Trunk

An elephant grasping, holding the trunk of another elephant, placing it in its mouth and biting it. Bite-Trunk may be observed among juveniles and calves during Social Play.

References: Poole & Granli 2021. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Social Play

Bite-Trunk

Context: Social Play (1)

Two calves are Sparring playfully. A 2 year old male (left) is sucking on the tusk of a 4 year old female (right). The 4 year old purposefully grabs the trunk of the 2 year old and bites it and holds it in her mouth (Bite-Trunk). After some time he emits a Grumble-Rumble. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Bite-Trunk

Context: Social Play (2)

Two 1 year old male calves from Pat Derby's family are Sparring. They separate and then the male on the left initiates Sparring again. He immediately grabs the trunk of the other male and puts it into his mouth and tries to bite it (Bite-Trunk). They separate again and then the male on the left Rams the male on the left forcing him to his knees. The male on the left again grabs the other male's trunk and tries again to bite it - Bite-Trunk. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)