How to survive an elephant attack

Few days back, while watching the TV, I found a news channel featuring a grieving mother. She had lost her only son, a techie, to an elephant attack near Bannerghatta National Park. Her son was attacked by a tusker while he was on a jungle trek along with his friends. Her grief almost moved me to tears and made me to think over the entire MAN vs NATURE issue (upon which I'll be writing in the near future). However, this prompted me to do a research on what can be done if any one of us gets into the similar situation as that of her son's.

Elephants are generally known to be docile animals. They hardly attack humans until and unless provoked. At the same time, they are highly sensitive and intelligent animals as well. In fact, the suffering/trouble this poor pachyderm has given to the man is minuscule compared to what the man has given in return all these years. Man's GREED, along with I'm-the-King-of-all-Species attitude has already lead to the extinction of numerous species on earth. Barbaric poaching of elephants for their tusk and constant encroachment of forests have lead to the loss of habitat of these otherwise gentle giants, in turn resulting in ever increasing conflicts between human and elephant.

But man stands helpless when nature unleashes its fury upon him. So, when you encounter a furious wild elephant, what can you do? How can you face a 10-tonne beast? Here are the few tips/tricks that can increase your chances of your survival in case of an attack.

Disclaimer :- Below mentioned points are based only on my research on survival tips/tricks on the internet. Following them may not guarantee your survival in case of an attack ;-)    

1.By standing one's ground.
    Remember that scene in the movie Avatar???, where the hero keeps off a beast in Pandora by standing his ground and not running away? Yes, exactly same is the case with elephants. They are territorial animals. The chances of an attack are less if you stand your ground. Below is an excellent example of how a clever driver scared off an attacking giant by following this rule.

2. When an elephant attacks you, try running downhill.
     An elephant will never chase you downhill as they can't maintain their balance and fear toppling over. Whereas, the chances of survival in an uphill chase is too bleak.

3. Climb a tree.
     Make sure that the tree is a strong one. Remember, elephants can easily uproot medium sized trees.

4. Avoid eye contact.
     I call this as a Golden Rule. Never look into the eyes of an attacking elephant. This would enrage them further.

5. Run in a zig-zag manner.
     Never underestimate the chasing/running capacity of an elephant because of its size. Elephants can run as fast a humans on a straight path with a higher stamina. But, when you run on a zig-zag path, they find it hard to concentrate and eventually lose their speed to chase you.

6. Elephants do not like white color.
     They get disturbed by the white color. So, next time when you head out for a jungle trek, make sure you do not wear white. Shades of green or grey, which best suits the surrounding would be more appropriate.

7. Common Sense
     Last but not the least is to use your common sense. Never throw stones, sticks, tree branches etc. on an attacking elephant. This would enrage them further. Panic situations can often encourage us to do dumb things. Try to remain calm and act sensibly.

Elephants are one of the most beautiful creatures on earth. Days are not far when they might become extinct because of our inhumane activities. Hence, it's our duty to save and protect these gorgeous pachyderms before its too late :-)