Back-Bowing

Standing or walking with Chin-Up and Tail-Raising which causes an elephant’s back to appear bowed. The elephant may Look-Back with Eyes-Wide.

This posture is most often exhibited by fearful or highly socially excited elephants but it also a component of the Estrous-Walk.

References: Moss 1983; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavioral constellation includes the following behaviors: Chin-Up, Ears-Back, Eyes-Wide, Tail-Raising and occurs in the following context(s): Ambivalent, Avoidance, Courtship, Social Play