Mysore/Mysuru: A wild elephant was found dead in the Gundlupet range within the Bandipur Tiger Reserve on Wednesday. Although the body was in an advanced state of decomposition, the tusks were found to be intact, indicating no signs of foul play.

The incident was brought to the attention of the officers when personnel on the daily forest beat reported the smell of the deceased animal. The elephant, estimated to be around 40 to 45 years old, was believed to have died of natural causes.

Officials said that a postmortem was conducted yesterday and it confirmed the elephant’s natural death. The tusks were subsequently removed and placed in the custody of Forest Department. Adhering to protocol, the carcass was left undisturbed at the site. Bandipur Tiger Reserve Director P. Ramesh Kumar and other senior Officers visited the spot.