Wild boar traps turn deadly; three deaths recorded this year

KOZHIKODE: The tragic death of Class 10 student Ananthu in Vazhikadavu, Nilambur, is the latest in a series of fatalities caused by illegal electric wild boar traps in Kerala. The trap that claimed Ananthu’s life was set up by a poacher named Vineesh.

In January alone, two people died under similar circumstances. One was an elderly man in Shoranur, whose death was initially believed to be from drowning in a pond, but later confirmed to be caused by an electric shock from a wild boar trap. The deceased is Paruthipra Veluthangal native Kunjan. The landowner, Sankaranarayanan of Paruthipra, was arrested in connection with the incident.

In the same month, a 52-year-old farm worker named Soman was electrocuted in Sasthamcotta. Following the incident, Ambalathumbhagam natives Gopi (69) of Dinil Bhavan and Sasi (70) of Kaniyakuzhi Veedu were arrested.

Back in November, Mohanan and his son Aniruddh, both from Kanjikode in Palakkad, died from electrocution after stepping into a canal while attempting to irrigate their field.

These illegal electric traps, commonly set up to ward off wild boars, have also led to the deaths of several wild animals, including tigers and elephants.

Unauthorized electricity use
The traps are typically powered by electricity siphoned illegally from main power lines. In some cases, electric current is also run through wire fencing around farmland. While many claim to be protecting crops from wild boars, some deliberately target other wildlife as well.

Wildlife death toll (2019 to present)
Elephants: 790
Tigers: 60
Leopards: 57