SILIGURI, : A Makhna elephant (tuskless bull) was found dead after a fight with another tusker at a forest in the Bagdogra Range. The carcass of the elephant, aged around 25 to 30 years, was discovered near Tipu Khola Picnic Spot.
According to Kurseong DFO Devesh Pandey, the injured elephant was severely bleeding and was first spotted by forest villagers on Saturday. They immediately informed the officials of the Bagdogra Range. Forest staff launched an intensive search operation, which led to the recovery of the Makhna’s carcass. The elephant died from excessive bleeding after the tusker’s tusk had penetrated its body during the fight.
The fight is believed to have been over a female elephant with the Makhna trying to distract the female from the tusker.
ADFO Rahul Banerjee, who visited the site on Sunday, said that the fight likely started on Friday night and the Makhna died either on Saturday or early Sunday due to the severe blood loss.
The Forest department is also trying to trace the tusker involved in the fight to determine if it sustained any injuries.