Gudalur:
A wild elephant wandered through a residential area near Gudalur Saturday morning as forest officials made a prolonged effort to drive the animal back to its forest habitat.The lone elephant has been roaming in and around Padanthurai and Puthoor Vayal over the past few days, and it was sighted by villagers during the day and at night.
Its frequent movement into village areas during daylight hours has caused concern among residents.
The elephant entered a residential area along the Markamula-Puthoor Vayal road, prompting residents to stay indoors.
Forest officials advised them not to venture outside.
Forest personnel who arrived in the village burst crackers to scare the animal away.
The elephant initially moved close to a house before slowly entering a nut plantation.
The personnel continued their efforts and eventually drove it towards the dense forest.
With residents remaining apprehensive over the elephant's frequent movement near their homes, villagers have urged the Forest Department to use trained elephants to drive wildlife that stray into villages.
