Can animals hide themselves in the woods?

Certainly, it has happened. In 1892, the following elephant escaped into the forests in central Maine, and despite massive search parties, it could not be found for two weeks.

In 1892, a circus elephant named Charlie broke loose and roamed the town of Bucksport, Maine, and the surrounding woods a free animal. He was captured two weeks later, with the help of a pit bull, who cornered the elephant so his handlers could secure him.

Archival photo research credit: E. Spooner.