Gayaji: A wild elephant strayed into a densely populated area of Gayaji district in Bihar, triggering alarm among residents as it moved through market streets and nearby villages.
The animal, believed to have crossed over from neighbouring Jharkhand, emerged from the forests of Barwadih in the Barachatti region before entering populated areas. It was sighted in several villages including Padumchak, Sarwan Bazaar, Tiwari Chak and Surodha, according to local residents.
Though the elephant’s presence caused widespread panic, there were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage. Videos filmed by onlookers showed the animal walking through open areas as crowds gathered at a distance to watch.
Forest department officials arrived soon after being alerted and began efforts to guide the elephant back towards the forest. Teams were seen urging residents to remain indoors and avoid approaching the animal.
Arvind Kumar, the forest range officer of Barachatti, said officials were monitoring the situation closely. “A wild elephant has entered the populated area of the village and has been spotted in Padumchak, Sarwan and surrounding locations. Our team is actively working to ensure it is safely returned to the forest,” he said.
He appealed to villagers not to approach or provoke the animal. “The forest department requests residents to maintain distance. We are confident that the elephant will soon be guided back safely,” he added.
Incidents of elephants straying into human settlements have become more frequent in districts bordering forested regions, often attributed to habitat fragmentation and shrinking forest corridors. Authorities said the priority was to prevent any confrontation between the animal and residents while ensuring its safe return to its natural habitat.
