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What happened
The Forest Department of Karnataka successfully captured a 40-year-old tusker on November 2, 2025, after it was implicated in the deaths of two people in the Kerekatte Range of Kudremukh Wildlife Division. The tusker had previously been known for raiding crops but had not caused human fatalities until the recent incident. The capture operation involved over 150 personnel and five trained elephants, with veterinarians using a tranquilizer dart to immobilize the animal. Following the deaths, local residents protested for a permanent resolution to the human-elephant conflict. The Forest Department is also planning to relocate 17 families from the Kerekatte Range, seeking ₹20 crore for this initiative. The captured elephant will be kept under observation at Dodda Harave camp, while the government seeks additional funds for family rehabilitation.
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Key insights
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1
Human-elephant conflict escalation
The incident underscores the growing tensions between wildlife and local communities.
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2
Capture operation details
Over 150 staff and trained elephants were involved in the successful capture.
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3
Family relocation plans
The Forest Department aims to relocate families affected by wildlife movements.
Takeaways
The capture of the tusker reflects the urgent need for effective management strategies to address human-wildlife conflicts in Karnataka, alongside the rehabilitation of affected families.