May 31, (OT Webdesk)A juvenile tusker, approximately 8 025to 10 years old, was tragically found dead near Talsira village in Odisha’s Angul forest division after being electrocuted by an illegal electric fence.
The fence, set up by a local farmer to protect his mango orchard, was unlawfully connected to a live wire, creating a hazardous trap for wildlife.
Forest officials confirmed that the elephant likely died instantly upon contact with the high-voltage wire. Senior personnel rushed to the scene upon being alerted, detaining the farmer responsible for questioning.
Authorities are investigating the source and voltage level of the
wire while preparing a post-mortem examination to verify the exact cause of death.
The incident underscores the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in Odisha, where elephant habitats are increasingly disrupted by agricultural expansion.
Conservationists are calling for stricter enforcement against illegal fencing to protect endangered species from further harm. Legal action against those responsible is expected based on the investigation’s findings.
