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 02 KNOW HOW Breedtrees3.24.7
W H2026 02 KNOW HOW Breedtrees3.24.7

Turkey Tactics: Scout Now for Spring Gobblers

Want to find success this spring? Get on the ground now and start scouting for those springtime Toms.

First Look: Ameristep Wide Bottom Blind

Ameristep has launched a new, oversized hunting blind for 2026, featuring all-over Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage. The Frontline Wide-Bottom Extreme accommodates up to three hunters along with all their gear.

Henry National Forest Foundation Rifle Series

Henry Repeating Arms has launched a new series of commemorative rifles to benefit the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the nonprofit partner of the United States Forest Service (USFS).

NRA Unveils NRA App

Your National Rifle Association (NRA) has unveiled its new official NRA App, which creates a whole new way to access magazine content, member benefits, legislative news and more!

Hardware Review: Rossi R95 360 Buckhammer

A fun lever-action in a deer-dropping straight wall chambering? Sign us up! Read on for Brad Fitzpatrick's review.

New for 2026: Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl Mossy Oak Bottomland

Stoeger has expanded its M3500 Waterfowl Special series with a new model finished in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland camo. Paired with a Patriot Brown Cerakote receiver and barrel, the M3500 Waterfowl Special in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland is purpose-built to blend into flooded timber while standing up to harsh, wet environments.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.