Dhenkanal: Two elephants, including a calf, were found dead in Godarbilli forest area under Kamakhyanagar Western Range in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on Saturday, sparking concern among wildlife lovers.
According to information, the two carcasses were found barely 500 metres apart in the same forest area. The carcasses were recovered from Godaribilli forest under the Anlabereni Forest Beat of Kamakhyanagar West Forest Range.
On being informed, a forest department team rushed to the spot, cordoned off the area and started a detailed investigation.
While the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths are yet to be ascertained, the discovery of two carcasses in such close proximity has raised several questions about what may have led to the incident.
Forest Department officials and field personnel rushed to the spot and initiated an investigation. The officials are examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths to establish whether the two incidents are connected and determine the possible cause.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the elephants may have died due to group infighting. The deceased include a female elephant and her calf. The forest department said the female elephant was around 10 years old, while the calf was about 6 months old.
Locals said a herd of 38 elephants has been creating havoc in the area for the last four to five days, damaging crops and properties.
The exact cause of death will be clear only after the post-mortem examination report.
Last month, a male elephant, estimated to be between 12 and 14 years old, was found dead in an agricultural field under Padiabahal Forest Range in Sambalpur district. Solar fencing wire was found entangled around the body.
