A wild male elephant was seen chasing a couple up to their gate near Marudamalai IOB residence in Coimbatore on Saturday night; the alarming CCTV footage has gone viral.
Coimbatore: The quiet of Marudamalai was shattered when a wild male elephant ventured close to a residential area near the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) late Saturday night. The elephant, part of a group of more than 10 wild elephants camping at the foothills of the Western Ghats, was captured on CCTV footage chasing a couple right up to their gate.
The incident, which occurred as the couple were stepping outside their home, has sparked widespread alarm after the CCTV footage went viral. In the video, the visibly terrified couple can be seen rushing back into the safety of their house as the elephant approaches the gate. This incident highlights the growing interface conflicts between wildlife and residential areas in Coimbatore, as elephants often wander into human habitats in search of food and water during the night.
Following such incidents, it is routine for the Forest Department to be notified. They traditionally arrive to drive the elephants back into the forest, attempting to minimize interactions and prevent potential harm. The frequent sightings and close encounters underscore the urgent need for effective wildlife management strategies in the region to ensure safety for both the local community and the wildlife.
The incident, which occurred as the couple were stepping outside their home, has sparked widespread alarm after the CCTV footage went viral. In the video, the visibly terrified couple can be seen rushing back into the safety of their house as the elephant approaches the gate. This incident highlights the growing interface conflicts between wildlife and residential areas in Coimbatore, as elephants often wander into human habitats in search of food and water during the night.
Following such incidents, it is routine for the Forest Department to be notified. They traditionally arrive to drive the elephants back into the forest, attempting to minimize interactions and prevent potential harm. The frequent sightings and close encounters underscore the urgent need for effective wildlife management strategies in the region to ensure safety for both the local community and the wildlife.