Guwahati, Sept 10 (PTI) A wild elephant was spotted with a tyre around its neck in a forest area of Assam’s Golaghat district on Thursday, officials said.
It was seen in Bokial forest block in Morongi area, which has witnessed recurrent incidents of human-elephant conflict.
Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia said he informed senior forest department officials, following which a team reached the spot.
Saikia appealed to local residents to remain calm and not approach or disturb the elephant, which was already in an uncomfortable condition.
The forest department team is monitoring the situation and will decide on the safest way to remove the tyre after assessing the animal’s condition, officials said.
The tyre, suspected to be from a tractor, was likely left in the forest and picked up by the curious elephant with its trunk, subsequently getting lodged around its neck, an official said.
Wildlife experts have expressed concern that the tyre could cause wounds, restrict the elephant’s movement or lead to other health complications.
They also warned residents against chasing or attempting to rescue the animal as it could further increase the risk to the elephant’s life. PTI DG DG MNB
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