Tusker Found Dead in Sambalpur Jungle, Infection Suspected
Sambalpur: A 12‑year‑old tusker was discovered dead in the Patra jungle near Hiru Mirdhapada under the Padia‑Bahal forest range, sparking concern among locals and wildlife authorities.
Villagers first noticed a foul stench and alerted the Forest Department.
Sambalpur DFO Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav and Range Officer Sunil Khilari inspected the site, where the carcass was found in a decomposed state, indicating the elephant had been dead for 4–5 days.
Preliminary findings suggest septicaemia, a severe bacterial infection, as the likely cause of death.
A post‑mortem examination will confirm the exact cause.
A special squad has been informed, and a team from Bhubaneswar is expected to investigate further.
The incident has raised alarm over recurring elephant deaths in western Odisha, prompting calls for closer monitoring of wildlife health and environmental factors.
