Elephants don’t approach homes to harm humans; they are following strong food smells. Much like sweets attract children, Ana tree seed pods are a natural and highly preferred food source that can draw these animals directly to human settlements. During dry periods, when preferred food is scarce in riverbeds, the risk of attracting elephants increases significantly if seed pods or livestock feed are stored inside living spaces.
This is according to a statement released on 20 February by the Elephant-Human Relations Aid (EHRA) who addressed a recent incident in Okongwe where an elephant bull damaged a house roof to reach stored pods. EHRA’s Elephant Guards responded immediately to chase the bull away before the situation escalated further. Fortunately, no one was in the house at the time and no injuries occurred. The organization has since funded repair work using local labor and convened an emergency meeting to discuss safer storage solutions.
Key Advice: Secure Food Sources
The primary recommendation is to avoid storing seed pods or livestock feed in structures where people sleep. If storage is necessary, it should be located away from sleeping areas and secured as safely as possible to prevent attracting these protected, desert-dwelling animals. EHRA emphasizes that human-elephant coexistence is possible when risks are understood and practical mitigation measures are put in place.
Practical Coexistence Guidelines
EHRA suggests several practical steps to manage encounters and protect property:
Make Your Presence Known: Use flashing lights, loud talking, and general human noise. Often, once elephants realize people are present, they move away.
Use Chili Smoke: Mix fresh or ground chili into slightly wet cow or elephant dung and place it on hot coals to smolder. The spicy smoke masks food smells and deters animals with sensitive noses.
Stay Calm: Never make sudden movements such as running. Do not throw rocks, as this may provoke aggression.
Control Dogs: Barking dogs can provoke defensive behavior. A frightened dog may run back to its owner, potentially bringing the elephant with it.
Secure Infrastructure: Ensure water pipes are properly buried underground to prevent damage.
Emergency Assistance and Contacts
EHRA remains committed to working alongside communities and continues to share Early Warning Alerts. Elephant Guards are available on call to assist community members who feel unsafe or need help protecting property.
All Areas: Herman Kasona - 081 795 8822
Sorris Sorris: Taiwin Garoeb - 081 558 7089
Sorris Sorris: Karl Gawanab - 081 366 9392
Fransfontein & Khorixas: Nicanor Ortner - 081 497 3383
Ugab East & Omatjete: Ngundee Katuaundu – 081 382 1656
