‘An alarming sign’: Plastic spotted in elephant dung deep in Karnataka’s forests

Even the quietest forests are no longer free from human waste. A recent moment from Karnataka’s Shola forests shows how our everyday habits are reaching places we assume are untouched. And once again, it is wildlife that is paying the price.Wildlife photographer and author Ishan Shanavas shared a troubling experience on Instagram. While walking through the Brahmagiri hills, he noticed something unexpected… plastic inside elephant dung. He wrote, “Finding plastic in elephant dung deep inside the Shola forests of the Brahmagiri hills in Karnataka was deeply disturbing.”He said the forest is far from human activity and should be clean, yet the plastic was “clearly and unmistakably” visible.In a video, Shanavas showed the dung and explained why the moment stayed with him. “This is something that is really disturbing. We have a pile of elephant dung, which would normally really excite me. Yet if you look closely, you can see that there is plastic within the dung.” He called it “an alarming” sign of how deeply human behaviour is affecting animals.According to Shanavas, the sight carries a bigger message. “This is a clear testament to how much we have changed this planet and how these creatures are now having to deal with our eccentricities,” he said. He added that this could be avoided “by simply disposing of waste properly.”Speaking about how far inside the forest he was, he said, “We’re deep in the Shola forests, and yet we’re seeing something like this. I think we can treat our animals and our planet better than this.”Plastic may look small, but it can seriously harm wildlife. Elephants can eat plastic by mistake while feeding near roads or areas where people pass through. Once inside their bodies, it can cause injuries or block digestion. Over time, plastic can also travel deeper into forests through water or animals, spreading pollution even further.Shanavas’ post struck a chord with many online. One user wrote, “Sadly, it’s becoming our reality; our littering habits are so overpowering that even after multiple interactions, people just don’t give up.” Another commented, “Rightly said, responsible disposal is a must!”Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral video shared on social media. The Times of India has not independently verified the authenticity of the video or the claims made in it.Thumb image: Instagram