Salt Licks are the favorite spots for any animal living in the jungles. These spots contain deposits of salts/minerals such as Sodium, Calcium, Iron, Zinc and Phosphorous etc.,  which are essential for their growth and to keep themselvesin good health. These animals discover these spots intuitively and visit often whenever there is a need in their bodies.

We happened to witness this female elephant in an early morning at Bandipur, about a few months ago. It was so busy at its task and was least bothered about our presence. We spent around one hour with this animal, taking numerous shots of its varied behavior.

It first loosens the mud with its foot and then carefully sucks the mud containing the salts/minerals using its trunk. It sends the mud into its mouth by pushing the air through the trunk. It was so interesting to see its act as it was creating a smoke around its mouth whenever it was pushing the mud into its mouth.

Shot Using Canon 1Ds Mark III mounted with 70-200 lens.