What Happens When Elephants Become Intoxicated?

You've probably heard the expression "to drink like a fish," but for decades, villagers in India have been dealing with a much larger form of inebriation: elephants who storm into town with a thirst for sweet-smelling liquor. Such incidents have been widely reported in India since at least the 1990s. In one of the more recent episodes, approximately 50 pachyderms descended on Dumurkota village and went on a bender, drinking container after container of the local alcoholic beverage mahua before tearing through surrounding huts looking for more. While such an episode may sound comic, the attacks can turn deadly, for both people and elephants. Most experts say that while the sweet smell of the juice does attract the elephants, it is doubtful that they could imbibe enough to truly become intoxicated. Most likely, loss of habitat is the real culprit behind the many stories of "drunken elephants" ransacking Indian villages, as wild elephants and people are living in increasingly close proximity.

Longest, biggest, most misunderstood?:

• Elephants have the longest gestation period of any mammal, averaging 95 weeks -- more than double the length of a human pregnancy.
• There are actually two species of African elephants; the African bush elephant is significantly larger than the African forest elephant. In terms of weight, the Asian elephant is somewhere in between.
• Despite how they are often portrayed in films, elephants don't like peanuts, neither in the wild nor in captivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can elephants actually become intoxicated?

Yes, elephants can become intoxicated, much like humans, when they ingest substances containing alcohol or fermenting fruit. Elephants have been observed exhibiting behavior similar to human drunkenness, such as unsteady walking and unusual vocalizations, after consuming large quantities of marula fruit, which can ferment in their stomachs and produce alcohol.

What are the signs of intoxication in elephants?

Intoxicated elephants may display signs similar to those seen in inebriated humans. These include a lack of coordination, stumbling, unusual friendliness or aggression, and vocalizations that differ from their normal sounds. Observers have also reported seeing elephants resting or sleeping for extended periods after consuming fermented fruit.

How much fermented fruit does it take to intoxicate an elephant?

The amount of fermented fruit required to intoxicate an elephant is substantial due to their large size. It's estimated that an elephant would need to consume hundreds of pounds of marula fruit to reach a level of intoxication. However, this is a subject of debate among scientists, as some argue that natural fermentation would not produce enough alcohol to affect such large animals.

Is it dangerous for elephants to become intoxicated?

Intoxication can be dangerous for elephants, as it impairs their judgment and coordination, making them more susceptible to accidents and injuries. Additionally, intoxicated elephants may become more aggressive or unpredictable, posing a risk to other animals and humans. Long-term health effects of alcohol consumption in elephants are not well-documented but could potentially be harmful.

Do elephants seek out fermented fruit intentionally?

There is some debate about whether elephants intentionally seek out fermented fruit. While anecdotal evidence suggests they may enjoy the effects of intoxication, it is difficult to determine intent. Elephants are known to have a preference for certain fruits, including marula, but whether they can detect and target fermented over non-fermented fruit remains unclear.

How do conservationists handle situations where elephants might become intoxicated?

Conservationists monitor elephant behavior and the availability of potentially intoxicating substances in their habitats. They may intervene if an elephant's health is at risk or if there is potential for human-elephant conflict. Efforts are also made to educate local communities about the risks of leaving out substances that could lead to elephant intoxication.