A forest watcher was injured in an elephant attack in Karnataka's Chikkamagaluru district. The incident occurred on Friday, June 19, 2026, near the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
Victim Identified
The injured individual has been identified as Harish, a watcher attached to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. He was patrolling the forest area when an elephant suddenly charged at him.
Details of the Attack
The elephant attacked Harish, causing injuries to his body. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. According to forest officials, his condition is stable and he is out of danger.
Forest department personnel have been deployed to track the elephant and prevent further incidents. Officials have urged locals to remain cautious and avoid venturing into the forest area unnecessarily.
Response from Authorities
Senior forest officials visited the hospital to check on Harish's health and assured him of all necessary support. The department is also reviewing safety protocols for forest watchers to prevent such incidents in the future.
Elephant attacks have been a recurring issue in the region, with human-elephant conflicts often leading to injuries and property damage. The forest department continues to monitor elephant movements and implement measures to mitigate conflicts.
