This is the shocking moment wild elephants attack a motorbike rider on a road in India.

Footage shows the jumbo charging toward the motorcyclist near Bandipur Tiger Reserve on October 25.

Unaware of the elephants by the roadside, the rider, traveling from Ooty to Mysuru, was caught off guard when one lunged at his bike.

With two more bulls nearby, the motorcyclist abandoned his bike and fled in panic. Reports indicate he escaped unharmed, as the animals did not pursue him.

After the incident, the elephant and its calf retreated into the jungle.

Assistant Forest Conservator Naveen Kumar emphasized the importance of caution on the Bandipur-Ooty road, advising people to maintain a safe distance from elephants and avoid taking photos or videos.

He warned that mother elephants with calves can be particularly dangerous and may charge at onlookers, posing a significant risk of accidents.

The sub-continent has at least 30,000 wild elephants - more than any other country and approximately 60 per cent of the world's entire Asian elephant population.

Many more elephants are held in captivity in India. They are used for religious events and weddings.