Elephant's Cape Buffalo Attack Caught on Camera

by
posted on June 2, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
caterselephantvsbuffaloflipleadimage.gif
Images by Kim Maurer via Caters News Agency

Have you ever seen a Cape buffalo being gored and tossed through the air by an elephant? Kimberly Maurer not only saw it in person, but she has the brutal photos to prove it. While on vacation at the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya, Maurer captured the astonishing encounter up close. 

As reported by Caters News Agency, the buffalo had been sleeping quietly under a tree, but as the elephant approached, it stood up and charged toward her. This was a highly unusual occurrence, as these two species typically live together peacefully. As the buffalo charged, the elephant gored it with her tusks and heaved the buffalo into the air. The buffalo did not survive.

According to Caters News Agency, rangers at the Masai Mara reserve felt it was likely that the buffalo was unwell to act so aggressively toward the elephant, as this type of behavior is not standard. Maurer said of the scene, "I started looking through the images on the back of my camera immediately after the attack and became very excited that I had actually captured the event in detail. This photograph was, no doubt, a once-in-a-lifetime capture for me."

Latest

BTB 7Mm RUM Lead
BTB 7Mm RUM Lead

Behind the Bullet: 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum

Launching a 160-grain bullet in excess of 3200 fps, the 7mm RUM is among the fastest commercially loaded 7mm cartridges available.

USFWS Debuts 2025-2026 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps

The 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp—commonly known as the Duck Stamp—became available for purchase on June 27, 2025.

Tested: Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener

Digital Associate Editor walks viewers through the features of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener, the perfect tool for a hunter looking to keep all his knives factory sharp season after season.

Recipe: Green Curried Black Bear

Green curry sauce is an excellent base for simmering bear meat, making it flavorful, tender, and safe to consume. Read on for another instant classic recipe from Brad Fenson.

Coyotes to Competitions: An AR-Build for Accuracy

ARs make great coyote guns. But what would the absolute best coyote rifle look like? Digital Associate Editor David Herman builds his take on the best AR for shooters who like to plug coyotes in the winter, and ring steel all summer long.

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Sunday Hunting Bill

Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law on July 9.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.