KRISHNAGIRI: In a significant wildlife intrusion, two wild elephants entered a village near Denkanikottai in Krishnagiri district on Thursday, driven by the search for food and water. The incident occurred in Thinnur village, where the elephants ventured into a mango grove, causing considerable damage to the trees.
Elephants Damage Mango Grove
According to G Venkatachalam, a local farmer who witnessed the event, the elephants plucked and consumed mangoes, breaking branches and uprooting some trees in the process. The farmer expressed concern over the increasing frequency of such incidents during the summer months.
Residents Respond Quickly
Upon noticing the elephants, local residents raised alarms and took collective action to drive the animals away. The elephants, after being chased, crossed the Denkanikottai-Hosur Road and moved back towards the forest area. No injuries to humans or elephants were reported.
Seasonal Wildlife Movement
Wild elephants often enter villages near Denkanikottai during the summer season when water sources in the forests dry up and natural food becomes scarce. This year, the situation has been exacerbated by prolonged dry spells, forcing elephants to seek sustenance in human habitats.
Forest department officials have been alerted and are monitoring the movement of the elephant herd. They advise villagers to remain vigilant and avoid confrontations with wild animals. Steps are being taken to ensure water availability in forest areas to mitigate such intrusions.
