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.
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.
The elephants formed a protective barrier around their young as the adult female charged the pack.
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.
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.
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.
Nagarhole National Park, home to abundant wildlife, is named after the river that flows through its center.
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