Panic-Running

A very fast, quiet, smooth Running-Away while Tail-Raising with Chin-Up and Ears-Stiff/Ears-Back. If elephants are in a group they Bunch closely together. All age/sex group may engage in Panic-Running.

References: Moss 1988; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavioral constellation includes the following behaviors: Chin-Up, Ears-Back, Run-Away, Tail-Raising and occurs in the following context(s): Avoidance

Panic-Running

Context: Avoidance (1)

Young male elephants Panic-Running. Notice the Ear-Stiffening and Tail-Raising. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Panic-Running

Context: Avoidance (2)

The previous frame included lions. We have assumed that this 1.5 year old male got separated from his family and is Panic-Running to reach them. On the other hand, there were lots of vocalizations on top of one another before this and it is possible that the calf is running toward a family event. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Panic-Running

Context: Avoidance (3)

Two calves, a 6 year old male and a tuskless 3 year old female, become frightened when they find themselves alone in the presence of the vehicle. The younger calf begins Panic-Running. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Panic-Running

Context: Avoidance (4)

The family is moving away from the approach of a herd of Maasai cattle. Then an elephant rolls a tree trunk and it makes a loud crashing sound frightening a male infant, who has walked ahead of his mother to be with an age-mate. The infant stops and raises his head (Chin-Up), ears and tail in alarm - Ears-Stiff and Tail-Raising and then returns to his mother's side, Panic-Running. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Panic-Running

Context: Avoidance (5)

Young elephants from the Mabenzi family Panic-Running. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Panic-Running

Context: Avoidance (6)

The C family and others are out in the open and become frightened by the arrival of a vehicle. They seek safety by Panic-Running toward the forest slowing to a Full-Retreat. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)