Forest dept asks motorists to be careful due to elephant movement in Mettupalayam

The Forest Department has issued a warning to motorists in Mettupalayam, Karamadai, and Sirumugai to be cautious due to increased elephant movement in the area. These regions are home to numerous wildlife species, including elephants, deer, bears, leopards, and tigers, with elephants being particularly numerous.

In the Western Ghats, which connect Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, wild elephant activity has increased over the past few months. With the jackfruit season now in full swing, over 100 jackfruit trees from Kallar to Parliar are attracting wild elephants out of the forest to eat the fruit.

Recently, a herd of wild elephants was seen crossing the busy Mettupalayam-Coonoor road to reach the jackfruit trees. In response, the forest department has advised tourists and the public to be vigilant while driving and to park their vehicles on the side of the road without disturbing the wildlife.