This is the heart-stopping moment a trail guide stops a charging elephant in its tracks  – by standing incredibly still.

Alan McSmith calmly stood up to an elephant who was charging at him in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

The video is an example of how calm energy can influence the behaviour of wild animals.

Other trail guides admitted to Mr McSmith that they would probably have just shot the animal in panic if they were in the same position.  

It is testament to elephant’s intelligence and complex behavior and shows how humans and animals are able to connect.   

The footage shows the elephant try to charge at Mr McSmith twice as he faces him without batting an eyelid, forcing the elephant to retreat. 

Trail guide Alan McSmith manages to stop an elephant in its tracks by using ‘calming energy’

The video of the incredible moment was taken at Kruger National Park in South Africa

Speaking to Newsflare, Mr McSmith, said: ‘The elephant encounter is an authentic example of how calm energy can influence the behaviour of wild animals.

‘Most trail guides who have seen the video admit that they may have shot the elephant in self-defence, it was that close.

‘The footage is a testament to elephant’s intelligence and complex behavior and shows how humans and animals can connect on a meaningful level,’ he added.

‘Therefore, ultimately, the video is about the elephant and not me.’  

The footage is an example of how calm energy can influence the behaviour of wild animals

The elephant tried to charge at Mr McSmith twice as he faced him without batting an eyelid, forcing the elephant to retreat