Wild tusker spotted near Idukki collectorate

Idukki: A wild tusker was spotted near Idukki collectorate at Cheruthoni on Thodupuzha–Puliyanmala state highway around 5pm on Friday, prompting concern among commuters.The elephant was seen standing by the roadside nearly 500m from the collectorate premises. It was after a considerable gap that a wild elephant had ventured close to the main road in the area. Several motorists stopped their vehicles to catch a glimpse of the animal, with some stepping out to take photographs. As the number of onlookers increased, the tusker gradually retreated into the forest. Forest department officials said the elephant may have strayed towards the road in search of food and water amid rising temperatures and reduced availability of resources inside the forest. The location falls within the limits of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. While the presence of wild elephants is common in the sanctuary, no incidents of attacks on the public have been reported so far, officials said.