Bhubaneswar, Dec 24: A young female elephant died on Wednesday after sustaining grievous injuries caused by an explosive-laden food item in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, sparking concern over the growing threat posed to wildlife by illegal and dangerous practices. The elephant, estimated to be around 7–8 years old, had suffered severe facial injuries and a badly mutilated tongue, which left her unable to eat or drink.

According to forest officials, the elephant was part of a herd of 27 that had moved from the Betnoti forest range in Mayurbhanj to the Nilagiri area of neighbouring Balasore district around two weeks ago. On December 11, two elephants, including the injured female, were left behind in the Chuapada forest area. The next day, villagers noticed the critically injured animal and immediately informed forest authorities.

The elephant was tranquilised and shifted to the Talabandh Range Office under the North Division of Similipal Tiger Reserve, where veterinary teams provided intensive treatment. However, despite sustained medical efforts, the animal succumbed to her injuries.

Forest officials suspect that explosives were deliberately concealed inside food, possibly to trap wild boars or deter elephants from raiding crops. Divisional Forest Officer Gobinda Chandra Biswal said the exact cause of death would be confirmed after the post-mortem report, adding that strict action would be taken against those responsible.

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