Dr Berend Maarsingh captured the find on his cellphone and posted the pictures on the internet. He says that a week ago he also saw 'very fresh' tracks in the Qwar Forest area just above town.
André Riley, Area Manager: Knysna Garden Route National Park, confirmed that the area in which the cyclists made their discovery is the eastern most boundary of the elephants current walking range which stretches all the way to Farleigh on the other side of Sedgefield.
"To my knowledge we haven't had fresh spoor or dung in this particular area for at least a year, so yes, it is a rare find, but not unique," commented Riley. "A photograph taken in 1972 actually shows an elephant crossing the N2!"
More recently on November 19 an elephant destroyed a gate close to Diepwalle on route R339.
According to Riley the elephants from time to time seem to destroy any made-made features such as sign posts, fences or gates. Some speculate this is the activity of a single lone bull in musth.
A clearly visible elephant spoor dwarfs the photographer's foot. (Photo: Dr Berend Maarsingh.)
