Rushing at another with head lowered and trunk curved under (to expose tusks) and goring or poking it with the tusks. This is a serious attack with intent to harm. Elephants may receive serious wounds and or die from such attacks. While Ramming in an Aggressive context most often involves adult males, females also engage in Ramming. A female was seen with a broken off female tusk sticking out of the side of her body. In a Social Play context Ramming is most likely to be instigated by immature and young adult males. Adult males and females may Ram vehicles.
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 Orients-Away slightly. She comes over and stands near to him waiting, and exhibiting Foot-Lifting. As he Orients-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 Retreats-From and Looks-Back. She Ear-Folds and Ear-Slaps loudly - dust flying. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)
