Sundargarh/Bhubaneswar: In a disturbing turn of events, two elephant deaths have been reported in Sundargarh and Athagarh sparking concern over wildlife safety.
In the first incident, a tusker was found dead near the Rangadaba office under the Athagarh forest range, with suspicions of electrocution being the cause of death.
According to forest officials, the elephant’s age was estimated to be between 10-12 years. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death, although preliminary suspicions suggest that the elephant may have died after coming into contact with live electric wires.
In another incident, a wounded elephant succumbed to its injuries at B Karuabahahal village under Ujjalpur forest range in Sundargarh district, on Saturday.
Locals reported that the elephant had been roaming in the area with severe injuries on its body, including deep cuts on its back and neck. Despite being fed and cared for by villagers, the elephant succumbed to its injuries and died, according to sources.
After informing the forest department, the locals kept a watch on the elephant’s movements. The locals then offered the elephant paddy and cabbage to eat. After consuming the food, the elephant slowly began to move towards the jungle, but suddenly collapsed on the way.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the tusker elephant had come from Chhattisgarh last night. It may have died after being injured in a fight with another pachyderm and its injuries were several days old.
Forest officials have launched an investigation into the incident and are working to determine the cause of the elephant’s injuries.
Sundargarh DFO Pradip Mirase, after inspecting the situation, said “There was no evidence of any attack. The wound was likely caused by a fight between two elephants. The elephant’s weakness likely led to its death, and it had been ill for several days. Medical treatment was necessary but we did not have time to provide treatment as the elephant had arrived last night and died suddenly this morning.”
