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

W H2026 04 Hog Tactics IMG 7337
W H2026 04 Hog Tactics IMG 7337

Looking for Hogs vs. Hunting Wild Boars

There is no right or wrong way to hunt hogs. But in the author’s opinion there are methods that are more rewarding than others if sporting challenge, and not merely eradication, is the goal.

New for 2026: Sightron Snap Focus Parallax Adjustment S6

Sightron has announced the Snap Focus" S6 10-60x56mm ED Mil Hash (MH) Field Target riflescopes. Available with or without magnetic focus wheel, the S6 field target scope is a premium choice for airgun, small caliber field target and benchrest shooters.

#SundayGunday: FN 15 Guardian

On this week's #SundayGunday, we have an AR-platform from one of the finest gunmakers in the world, perfect for hog hunters and home defenders alike. The FN 15 Guardian applies Fabrique Nationale's proven quality to an AR, yielding a gun that runs well through all conditions.  A 16-inch 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel barrel, qualifies the gun as a carbine, perfect for handling through the woods or in a ground blind. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

How do you Compare to the Average Hunter?

There is no “average” hunter, although don’t be surprised if you’re more run-of-the-mill than you think after seeing the results of the “2025 Hunting Industry Insights” report. The survey, conducted by Untamed Outdoor Agency (UOA), focused on what might be the most active demographic—sportsmen between the ages of 32 and 52.

Says You: Trail Camera Overkill?

Editor-in-Chief Scott Olmsted's monthly response column to questions posed by our members. This week, we're discussing mountain lions, poaching and trail camera use.

New for 2026: Trijicon SRO Green Dot

Trijicon has announced a 2.5 MOA, Green Dot version of the SRO reflex sight. The new model will be available in Black and Coyote Brown anodized finishes.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.