Elephant in Odisha Suffers Grievous Injuries After Eating Explosive-Filled Food, Poachers Suspected

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A devastating incident has shaken wildlife officials in Odisha, India. A 15-year-old elephant was found dead in Angul district, while a female elephant in Mayurbhanj district sustained severe injuries, believed to be the result of a poacher attack. In the Angul case, the elephant was discovered with gunshot wounds in the Baliapashi area. The incident is being investigated by local forest officials. The injured elephant, found in the Betnoti forest range, had a severe explosion in its mouth, causing significant damage to its tongue and leading to a severe infection. The elephant was taken to the Talabandh Range office, where it is undergoing intensive treatment. According to data from the central government, between 2019-20 and 2023-24, 102 elephants died in unnatural circumstances in Odisha. Of these, 17 were killed by poachers, 71 by electrocution, and 14 by trains. In the same period, the country witnessed 528 elephant deaths, with 50 due to poaching, 392 to electrocution, 73 to train collisions, and 13 to poisoning. Odisha's environment and forest minister, Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, stated that 136 elephants have died in the state over the last 18 months, with 42 due to electrocution, four to poaching, and four to train collisions. The recent incidents highlight the need for stringent action against poachers and a more comprehensive approach to protecting Odisha's elephant population. As the investigation into the incidents continues, wildlife officials are working to ensure the injured elephant receives the necessary care and attention.