Bhubaneswar: A second tusker died in Mayurbhanj district within a short span. The body of the elephant was discovered in the Manchabandha forest of Baripada range under the Baripada forest division.
According to reports, the elephant’s body had been lying in the forest for three days, and locals informed the forest department about the death after noticing a foul smell. The elephant is believed to be around 10 years old and is suspected to have died due to a fight with another tusker.
However, the exact cause of death is yet to be determined. “We are not yet clear about the reason behind the elephant’s death. We suspect a fight between two tuskers might be the cause,” said DFO A. Uma Mahesh.
The forest department is investigating the matter to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s death.