A rampaging wild male elephant has been accused of killing at least 22 people as authorities say they are hunting the rogue animal. The apoplectic pachyderm has been terrorising the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand for over a week, according to officials.
The trail of death and destruction began on New Year’s Day and and the latest death was recorded on January 9 in the Chaibasa and Kolhan forest areas of West Singhbhum district. The districts are part of a large area of sal forest, a species of tree vital for Asian elephants, which provides food and shelter.
The BBC reports that more than 100 forest personnel are now hunting the male elephant, which has been attacking people who guard crops and barns storing food at night close to villages.
Indian broadcaster ETV Bharat reports wildlife officials said efforts to tranquilise the male elephant on Friday failed. A statement said: “Despite multiple efforts with the support of district administration, the elephant continues to evade capture. This is becoming a serious challenge in managing human-wildlife conflict in the area.
“The elephant has re-entered the Chaibasa region, prompting us to start a fresh search and appeal to residents to remain indoors.”
It’s understood that forestry officials believe the male elephant may be in a state of musth, a condition in which bull elephants experience heightened testosterone levels during the mating season, making them more aggressive and unpredictable.
The natural cycle can last between 15 to 20 days. Human and elephant conflict could also be a factor in the killings, as habitat destruction for the elephants leads them to raid farms and villages for food.
Forestry officials said they are attempting to sedate the huge animal, which as an adult could easily weigh around six tonnes, but that the elephant was “extremely violent”.
Aditya Narayan, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), said the male had become separated from its herd. He said: “The elephant is covering nearly 30 kilometres every day.
“Its re-entry into Jharkhand has been confirmed. Our team is on high alert, and efforts to tranquillise it will be resumed. Villagers have been strictly advised not to go into the forests and to remain vigilant.”