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Submitted: February 26
Image Size: 11.8 MB
Resolution: 3400×3399
Submitted with: Sta.sh

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Camera Data

Make:Canon
Model:Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Shutter Speed:1/128 second
Aperture:F/4.5
Focal Length:135 mm
ISO Speed:200
Date Taken:Feb 8, 2013, 4:20:42 PM
Lens:EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Software:GIMP 2.8.2
Sensor Size:22mm

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The Bull 3by =Okavanga

Photography / Animals, Plants & Nature / Wild Animals

There are lots and lots of elephants at Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa [link]. For those who do not know, and in very general terms, mature male elephants or bulls, are normally solitary creatures roaming and feeding most of the time on their own. Mature female elephants normally go around in groups with other females and with young elephants. This is an older bull elephant, one of the original stock brought into Madkwe 2 or 3 decades ago. He still has a tracking device attached to him, although this no longer works. (See the little box on his head, and a harness around his neck.)

Bull elephants can be dangerous and/or playful. If angry they charge, often with one or two mock charges first - to frighten you away. Female elephants do not engage in mock charging - if they are angry they will charge with intent - no playing. This old fellow was enjoying a drink and scrub up at this water hole. He was squirting himself with water and mud, and generally squelching around.

In this third shot, the bull has moved away from the centre of the water hole and the shade of the tree and is slowly approaching the bank where our vehicle is parked. Note that he has put his trunk over the right tusk - what is this all about? He is still watching us.