Indian authorities are conducting intensive searches for a wild elephant suspected of killing 20 people and injuring 15 others since the beginning of January in the state of Jharkhand. Despite intensified patrols and the use of drones for surveillance, the elephant, which is in a 'musth' state, has remained at large since last Friday, raising growing concern. This comes amid a serious escalation in human-wildlife conflicts in India, caused by urban expansion and mining that are destroying the animals' natural habitats. According to a forest official, the lone male elephant began its series of attacks over a week ago, roaming through villages and forested areas in the West Singhbhum region, causing panic among residents and forcing hundreds to evacuate their farms or take shelter in their homes at night. Reports indicate that the victims include children, the elderly, and even a professional mahout who tried to calm the animal. Official data shows that 629 people died in elephant attacks in 2023 and 2024, with solitary males in 'musth' being the most dangerous. India is home to the largest population of Asian wild elephants, a species classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, due to its habitat range shrinking to just 15% of its original area.
