AGALI: Reminding people of the tragic end of a pregnant elephant in Velliyar river, another elephant with severe mouth injury was spotted in Attapadi also. The elephant was seen in Keeripathi forest area near the border.

After being alerted by locals, forest guards led by DFO reached the place and have started attempts to provide treatment for the elephant.

A veterinarian will reach the place and examine the elephant.

In Agali-Sholayur areas, the elephant had been invading human habitats for the past several months. About 12 houses were destroyed recently.

The elephant was named ‘bulldozer’ after that incident. Though the forest officers were planning to radio collar the elephant, it was not seen in this area for quite some days. They say the elephant might have strayed into Tamil Nadu forest area. But on Monday by 6 pm, the elephant was spotted again at Toova near Anakatti. It was Adivasis of Oori who informed the forest department about its location.

By Tuesday noon, the elephant reached Keeripathy forest range.

“The injury appeared to be serious. It might not have taken food over the past two days. Treatment will be given immediately,” forest officers said.

In recent times, 17 elephants had died in Coimbatore forest area beyond Anakkatti.