Sometimes you just have to scratch that itch.

[oneh2obabe]

An elephant in Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa did just that — at a Volkswagen Polo's expense.



Much to the terror of the car's occupants, the massive mammal approached the small vehicle and rubbed against it, even sitting on its roof. Windows were smashed, tires were blown out, and the chassis was broken as a result.

Armand Grobler, a field guide studying lodge management at the park, witnessed the event from another car.

"We were unsure of what to do in the situation when the elephant made contact with the car, and when the car was being crushed, we feared for the lives of the driver and passenger, but our efforts were very limited as to what we could do," Grobler, 21, told the Mirror.

Unable to save the car's occupants from the determined elephant, Grobler picked up his camera and captured the scary scene.

"The all-round emotion that was within our vehicle, as we watched in horror, was that we were rushed with adrenaline yet terrified and helpless," he said.



At first, Grobler believed the elephant was likely on musth – an annual period when bull (male) elephants experience an increase in testosterone and exhibit "highly aggressive behaviour" — when he started to itch.

Fortunately, the elephant didn't appear angry or aggressive, just determined to address his discomfort. Everyone inside the elephant-destroyed car escaped the ordeal unharmed.

"The two passengers in the car, male and female, both in late 20s or early 30s, were not harmed, only badly shaken up. They were both in shock but happy to be alive," Grobler said.

As for the elephant:

"After a good scratch, it left," Grobler said.