Brave Elephant Fends Off Wild Dogs to Defend Her Calves: Incredible Encounter Caught on Camera

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A gripping encounter between a courageous elephant and a pack of 13 wild dogs was captured by wildlife photographer Mithun Hunugund in Nagarhole National Park, southern India.

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Hunugund observed the Asiatic wild dogs, also known as Dholes, attempting to ambush two young elephant calves, prompting the female elephant to charge at the predators in defense.

Hunugund, a 29-year-old from Bengaluru, described the heart-stopping scene as the elephant used her trunk and powerful legs to fend off the wild dogs.

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The elephants formed a protective barrier around their young as the adult female charged the pack.

Asiatic wild dogs attempted to ambush two young elephant calves in Nagarhole National Park. Source: Daily Mail

Dholes are known for their effective hunting strategies and have been known to prey on both smaller and much larger animals.

These endangered canines are smaller than medium-sized domestic dogs and have a lower breeding population than wild tigers.

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Hunugund expressed concern for the calves’ safety but acknowledged the harsh reality of the animal kingdom, where some creatures must perish for others to survive.

The female elephant ran at the dogs, swinging her trunk, pawing the ground, and attempting to kick the predators away. Source: Daily Mail
The angry four-tonne female then charged at the 13 wild dogs to scare them off (pictured). Source: Daily Mail

Fortunately, the elephant’s courageous efforts paid off, and the wild dogs eventually retreated.

Hunugund, who has a passion for wildlife photography, especially leopards, frequently travels to capture images of nature with fellow enthusiasts.

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Nagarhole National Park, home to abundant wildlife, is named after the river that flows through its center.

The dog pack attempted to ambush a young elephant calf (pictured center) in the Indian forest. Source: Daily Mail
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The slightly-built dog’s Asiatic Wild dogs that attacked the elephants are smaller than medium-sized domestic canines and an endangered animal with a smaller breeding population than wild tigers. Source: Daily Mail
Mr. Hunugund said the elephant’s brave effort paid off, and the pack eventually returned from the herd. Source: Daily Mail

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