A recent video capturing a heart-stopping encounter between a Malaysian driver and a herd of elephants in Bukit Gerik, Perak, has gone viral.
Photo via Facebook (Perak Press)
The video, shared by Perak Press on Facebook, quickly gained attention on social media, racking up over 724,000 views and 7,700 reactions at the time of writing.
The footage, recorded at night from inside a car on an undisclosed road, shows a group of at least six elephants crossing in front of the vehicle. The driver patiently waited, allowing the majestic animals to pass. However, the car’s headlights drew the attention of one adult elephant, which broke away from the herd and approached the vehicle.
In an unexpected turn, the elephant walked up to the car and gently tapped on the front lights, as if signaling the driver to turn them off. Despite the tense situation, the driver stayed calm, slowly reversing to maintain a safe distance. After a brief moment of curiosity, the elephant returned to its herd, leaving the driver unharmed.
Perak Press added a lighthearted yet important reminder in their caption, advising anyone in a similar scenario to avoid provoking the animals and turn off their headlights, as elephants are sensitive to bright lights at night. The caption read, “Turn off your light, brother. You just got a warning from the elephant. Thankfully, it only approached you to ask politely.”
When encountering wild animals on the road, it’s crucial to stay calm and follow a few essential steps:
-
Stay in your vehicle: Do not exit your car, as it can provoke the animals.
-
Keep your distance: Slowly reverse or stop at a safe distance until the animals have moved on.
-
Turn off your lights: Bright lights may agitate nocturnal animals, so switch them off if you spot wildlife nearby.
-
Avoid loud noises: Do not honk or make sudden sounds that could startle the animals.
-
Be patient: Allow the animals to pass naturally, and do not attempt to rush them.
#BukitGerik Tutup lampu chor, kan dah kena warning, mujur itu jer dia datang kabo.. * Kehadiran gajah yang menghalang jalan raya di Bukit Gerik ini adalah perkara biasa. Pengguna jalan raya diminta supaya tidak melakukan provokasi. Matikan lampu tinggi dan sekiranya perlu matikan lampu besar. Hanya nyalakan lampu kabus bagi memudahkan pemandu lain melihat anda. 📹 mr beast
Posted by Perak Press on Wednesday 25 September 2024
By staying calm and respecting the wildlife, you can ensure both your safety and theirs.
