Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The wild elephants which came all the way from neighbouring Chhattisgarh have made Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve their permanent home. The unwelcomed tuskers have now become a problem as they are attacking pet elephants of Bandhavgarh and also venturing into adjoining villages posing risk to the people.
On Monday night, a wild elephant attacked a pet elephant of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve leaving it injured. The elephant is being treated for swelling in its back. Patrolling vehicles of the forest staffers also irritates the wild elephants. There have been instances when wild elephants have tried to chase the patrolling vehicles, forcing officials to flee from the scene.
“ During the patrolling, we are not afraid of tigers as they don’t attack vehicles but we fear elephants as they sometimes chase our vehicles,” said an official of the reserve.
In October 2018, a herd of elephants had come to Bandhavgarh from Chhattisgarh. The total number of wild elephants which came from Chhattisgarh to Bandhavgarh is around fifty to sixty. Many of the elephants have given birth to their offspring.
A forest officer not willing to be named said that wild elephants come in contact with the pet ones in a playful mood often and sometimes attack them. In a week, two to three such incidents take place. There are around 13 pet elephants in Bandhavgarh.
To deal with the elephant problem, the officers of the Tiger Reserve have created a Whatsapp group and carry out awareness programmes among the villagers so that they can escape from the wrath of wild elephants. Moreover, elephant vigilance team has also been formed.
 (1).jpg)