Following the successful capture of two tuskers in Sakleshpura and Alur in Hassan — operations launched after two human fatalities — the forest department is now focusing efforts on pushing back a herd of 23 elephants roaming the Mudigere and Chikkamagaluru taluks.
The elephants, including 12 adults and 5 calves, have been camped in coffee estates near Chandagodu and Belagodu for over a month. Their presence has triggered panic among residents and disrupted daily work in plantations. “We are suffering both crop loss and a labour shortage due to fear,” said Harish, a local planter.
To tackle the situation, the department has brought in four trained elephants — Mahindra, Bheema, Ekalavya, and Bhyra — from Dubare and Nagarahole camps, relocating them to the Kanathi area near Chikkamagaluru to assist in the drive. These elephants will help guide the wild herd back into the Bhadra Tiger Reserve.
Lack of radio collars has made tracking the herd difficult, officials admitted. Two additional elephants have been spotted separately in villages including Gadichowk, Kammargodu, Dundug, Halase, and Ghattadahalli in Mudigere, prompting the department to issue cautionary alerts to residents.
Locals are urging that the elephants be driven deep into the forest to avoid future conflicts, while preparations for the operation are already underway.
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