A male elephant, estimated to be around 40 years old, was found dead near the Modasakkai stream in the Sundapatti section of the Mettupalayam forest range on Tuesday (February 17, 2026).
Forest personnel inspected the spot after receiving information from villagers and confirmed the death of the animal near a tribal habitation in the Lower Pillur forest area.
Forest officials said preliminary observations suggested that the elephant may have died due to infighting with another elephant. Villagers reported hearing sounds of elephants in the area on Monday night, and the carcass was found the following morning, after which the Forest Department was informed.
Forest department staff secured the area and initiated steps to conduct a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death. Further action will be taken based on the findings, officials said.
Published – February 17, 2026 07:01 pm IST
