This video shows the moment a brave farmer in Odisha, India, made a charging elephant turn its back with just the help of a stick.

In the clip, a young elephant is seen approaching the farmer, who raises his hand holding a stick he had broken off from a tree.

As the elephant paused and turned its back, the farmer manages to land a blow.

The incident occurred at a forest in Mayurbhanj district on August 25.

A local forest official said the small elephant herd was unnerved by a large crowd of farmers who had gathered to protect their crops.

“The animals were scared and could be seen comforting each other. The young female charged in mock anger to protect her herd than to target the man. So, she turned back quickly,” said the official.

Incidents of elephant-human conflict have escalated in the district over the last three months.

“Farmlands have encroached into forests sometimes even blocking the traditional elephant corridors. The animals have no choice but to face humans more often,” said the official.

This was the stunning moment a brave farmer made a charging elephant turn its back with just the help of a stick.

The man, held his ground and raised his hand holding the stick, which he had broken off from a tree.

As the young female elephant paused and turned its back, the farmer even managed to land a blow.

The incident occurred at a forest in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India, on August 25.

A local forest official said the small elephant herd was unnerved by a large crowd of farmers who had gathered to protect their crops.

“The animals were scared and could be seen comforting each other. The young female charged in mock anger to protect her herd than to target the man. So, she turned back quickly,” said the official.

Incidents of elephant-human conflict have escalated Karanjia block of Mayurbhanj district over the last three months.

As elephant herds stray into human habitats looking for food, villagers are risking their lives to confront the animals and protect their crops.

“Farm lands have encroached into forests sometimes even blocking the traditional elephant corridors. The animals have no choice but to face humans more often,” said the official.