A lone wild elephant grazing by the roadside near Marappalam on the Mettupalayam-Coonoor road caused fear among motorists, leading to a brief traffic halt. Forest officials urge caution while driving through wildlife areas.
Coimbatore: Motorists on the Mettupalayam-Coonoor road experienced a tense moment when a wild elephant was spotted grazing by the roadside near Marappalam area, causing panic and a temporary traffic disruption.
The Mettupalayam-Ooty route passes through two forest roads via Kotagiri and Coonoor in the Nilgiris district. These forest roads are known for wildlife movement, especially during the current mild drought conditions when animals venture out to the roadsides in search of food.
The incident occurred when a solitary wild elephant was seen foraging near the road at Marappalam. Alarmed by the elephant's presence, drivers stopped their vehicles, fearing a sudden attack. The traffic came to a standstill for about half an hour as the elephant continued to graze by the roadside.
After spending some time in the area, the elephant eventually retreated into the dense forest, allowing the traffic to resume. The unexpected encounter left many motorists shaken and highlighted the need for caution while traveling through wildlife corridors.
In light of this incident, the Forest Department has issued an advisory to motorists using the Mettupalayam-Coonoor hill road. They have been urged to drive at moderate speeds and remain vigilant, as there is a likelihood of increased wildlife movement along the roadsides in the coming days.
This event serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and wildlife habitats in the region. It underscores the importance of responsible driving and awareness when traveling through areas known for animal presence.