Madikeri: A wild elephant stuck in a railway barricade at Valnur, Kushalnagar taluk, was successfully rescued by the Forest Department team.
Range Forest Officer (RFO) Rathan explained that the female elephant had attempted to cross from a plantation area into the forest but became ensnared in the barricade. Locals who spotted the trapped animal quickly informed forest authorities, prompting an immediate response.
Upon arrival, forest personnel assessed the situation and worked swiftly to loosen the bolts of the metal fence. Once the structure was adjusted, the elephant freed herself and ambled back toward the forest. Witnesses reported seeing the elephant wade across the Cauvery stream, disappearing safely into the greenery.
Deputy RFO Subraya and other department staff assisted RFO Rathan in the operation, ensuring the elephant’s safe passage with minimal stress. The teamwork between officials and the community underscored the importance of prompt communication and coordination in such incidents.
This successful rescue highlights the challenges posed by railway barricades, which are designed to deter wildlife from entering human settlements but occasionally lead to unintended entrapments. Ensuring wildlife safety while mitigating human-animal conflict remains a delicate balance for conservation efforts.
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