I’m sorry to hear about these tragic incidents in Wayanad, Kerala. The loss of lives due to wild elephant attacks is indeed distressing. The incidents highlight the challenges faced by communities living in close proximity to wildlife.

In the most recent incident, Pulpally Pakkam Vellachal Paul, a 55-year-old employee of the Kuruvadweep Tourist Center, succumbed to injuries sustained during a wild elephant attack at the Cheriyamala junction. The elephant reportedly kicked Paul in the chest, resulting in broken ribs. Despite efforts by nearby laborers to scare away the elephant and provide prompt medical attention, Paul passed away while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College.

This unfortunate event follows another incident on February 10, where a local resident named Padamala Panachiyil Aji, aged 47, lost his life after being attacked by a wild tusker. The tusker reportedly entered a residential area, broke a gate, and attacked Aji in the courtyard of a friend’s house. Unfortunately, Aji did not survive the encounter.

These incidents underscore the importance of addressing human-wildlife conflicts and implementing measures to safeguard both human communities and wildlife. It may be crucial for authorities to assess and implement strategies to mitigate such conflicts, ensuring the safety of residents living in proximity to wildlife habitats.