In a tragic incident highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in Uttarakhand, a 70-year-old man lost his life after being trampled by an elephant on Sunday. The victim, identified as Brij Mohan, a resident of Kotdwar, was collecting fuelwood and fodder for his livestock from the Sukhroo forest area near Kotdwar in Pauri district when the fatal encounter occurred.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to forest officials, Brij Mohan had ventured approximately 3 kilometers inside the Sukhroo forest when he was suddenly charged by an elephant. Lansdowne Divisional Forest Officer Jeevan Mohan Dagade confirmed the details of the attack, stating that the elderly man was unable to escape the aggressive animal.
Pattern of Human-Wildlife Conflicts
This tragic event occurred within just 24 hours of another fatal human-wildlife encounter in the same district. In a separate incident, a one-and-a-half-year-old girl was mauled to death by a leopard in the Lansdowne area, underscoring the severity of the conflict between humans and wildlife in this region.
Forest officials have issued warnings to villagers, advising them to avoid entering forest areas in Duggada and Kotdwar. These particular regions have witnessed increased elephant movement, especially during the winter months when such incidents tend to rise.
Seasonal Factors and Forest Ecology
The Pauri Forest Division, known for its extensive forest cover, frequently reports human-wildlife conflicts involving various species including leopards, elephants, bears, and tigers. Officials explained that incidents typically increase during winter for two primary reasons:
- Wild animals move closer to human settlements in search of food and shelter
- Local residents enter forests more frequently to collect fuelwood and fodder for their livestock
This seasonal pattern creates a dangerous overlap between human activities and wildlife territories, leading to potentially fatal encounters. The forest department continues to monitor the situation while urging caution among local communities who depend on forest resources for their daily needs.
