A small town in Jharkhand, India, is in panic after a dangerous elephant went on a rampage, killing 22 people in just 10 days.
Among the victims was an animal specialist sent to capture the elephant.
According to TMZ, the trouble began on New Year’s Day in the Chaibasa area, with the elephant moving from village to village.
In one tragic incident, a family of four was killed while sleeping.
Videos circulating on social media show the elephant chasing and trampling residents, who run in terror.
Authorities have struggled to control the situation.
Efforts to capture or sedate the animal have failed. At one point, officials drove the elephant into a neighbouring state, only for it to be pushed back due to fear from local workers.
Residents from several villages have been advised to stay indoors, avoid forests, and keep away from the elephant.
Experts say this violence is linked to deforestation in the Chaibasa and Kolah forest areas, which has disrupted elephant habitats.
“This is an unprecedented situation. It’s the first time such a pattern of fatalities has been linked to a single male elephant in the region,” said divisional forest officer Kuldeep Meena.
Officials believe the young male elephant may have gotten separated from its herd and could be in a mating phase, a period when male elephants are prone to aggression.
Authorities are continuing efforts to track the elephant to prevent further deaths.
Social media reactions have varied.
Denise White wrote on Instagram, “Elephants have great memories. This elephant isn’t attacking because people were loving on him; he’s angry because something was done to him. Treat animals kindly.”
Jazz Bailey added, “We’re starting in the middle of the story. Start from the beginning—what did they do to the elephant?”