Gundlupet / Hanur:  In separate incidents, two wild tuskers were found dead at Moolehole Range in Bandipur and at Hanur Range in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. While the tusker at Moolehole reportedly died after a fight with another elephant, the elephant at Hanur Range has died a natural death.

In the first incident, the Forest Staff, who were on their regular beat at Chammanahalla area in Moolehole Range at Bandipur National Park found the carcass of a tusker aged about 40 years and informed the higher authorities. The Forest Officers, who rushed to the spot, conducted an inspection and later Veterinarian Dr. Nagaraju conducted the post-mortem after which the carcass was burnt.

The Forest officials said that the tusker had died after sustaining severe injuries on its stomach and other parts of its body following a fight with another elephant.

The elephant had tusks weighing about 40 kg which were joined in the front making it difficult for it to lift its trunk or fight.

Bandipur Conservator of Forests Balachandra, ACF M.S. Ravikumar, RFO N.C. Mahadevu and staff were present.

In the second incident, the staff who were on beat at Hanur Range in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary have found the carcass of an elephant aged about 55 years and informed the higher officials.

ACF Ankaraj, RFO Rajashekarappa and staff, rushed to the spot along with Veterinarian Dr. Siddaraju.

After inspecting the spot, Dr. Siddaraju conducted the post-mortem. Forest officials said that the elephant was aged and had died a natural death.