Wild elephants damage harvested maize in Thalavadi hills

A herd of wild elephants damaged harvested maize cobs in Boothalapuram village under the Germalam forest range in the early hours of Tuesday (February 10, 2026), triggering fear among farmers due to repeated incidents of elephant intrusions.

Farmers said a herd that emerged from the forest entered the farmland of Rathinamma, who had cultivated maize. The elephants fed on and trampled the harvested maize cobs kept in the field, causing extensive damage. The herd reportedly remained in the field for over an hour.

Farmers from the area gathered and attempted to drive the elephants away by shouting and bursting firecrackers. After sustained efforts, they managed to chase the animals back into the forest. The incident comes close on the heels of a tragedy reported two days ago in the Thalavadi hill region, where a farmer was killed after being trampled by elephants, heightening concern among residents of hill villages.

Farmers alleged that complaints regarding elephant movement made to the Germalam forest range office were not followed up with field inspections. They also claimed that calls reporting elephant intrusions were met with indifferent responses, adding to their fear. The farmers urged the Forest Department to intensify night patrols, create protective trenches along village boundaries, and provide compensation to the affected farmers.