Raising and holding a foreleg off the ground. Raising and holding a hind-foot may also be observed although this is less common than a forefoot. Individuals in all age sex groups may Foot-Lift in Submissive, Ambivalent and Conflict & Confrontation contexts when unsure of what action to take, as in Displacement-Behavior. Likewise, all age sex groups may Foot-Lift In Attentive and Vigilance contexts as seen during Freezing behavior, when elephants may be feeling for or picking up seismic vibrations.
A young male (center right) is minding his own business at a water-hole. An adult female approaches and stands next to him (center left); he Orient-Away slightly. She comes over and stand near to him waiting, and exhibiting Foot-Lifting. As he Orient-Toward her a little she turns on him, Ramming, Pushing him with her Trunk and Tusking him with an audible sound and then reaching her trunk out at him as he Retreat-From and Look-Back. She Ear-Folds and Ear-Slaps loudly - dust flying and departs. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)
