Sambalpur, Odisha, November 18, 2024: Three elephants, including a calf, were found dead on Monday in the Naktidul area of Odisha’s Sambalpur district, reportedly electrocuted after coming into contact with illegal electric wires set up by poachers.
Raikhol Division’s Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Arvind Mohanty stated that the preliminary investigation suggests the electrocution resulted from wires laid by poachers aiming to trap wild boars.
“It appears that the elephants accidentally touched the wires set up to target other wildlife,” Mohanty explained.
A team has been assembled to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident, aiming to trace the perpetrators and assess the extent of illegal poaching activities in the region. The deaths have sparked concern among conservationists, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by poaching and unregulated use of electric traps in forest areas.
