Teenagers endanger lives by chasing wild elephants in northeastern India amid rising human-wildlife conflicts

August 16, 2024

by Aditi Verma

In a disturbing incident from northeastern India’s Assam, a group of teenagers was caught on video dangerously chasing a herd of wild elephants that had strayed into the villages, likely due to ongoing deforestation. The footage has sparked outrage and concern over the growing human-wildlife conflicts in the region.

The incident took place at Numaligarh in Golaghat district on August 15.

Visuals showed a group of teenagers recklessly chasing a herd of wild elephants. The elephants, which had wandered into the village due to the destruction of their natural habitat, were visibly distressed as the young boys pursued them with little regard for the potential danger.

The incident highlights the growing tension between humans and wildlife in regions where deforestation and habitat encroachment are rampant. As forests shrink, elephants and other wildlife are forced to venture into human settlements in search of food, leading to an increase in dangerous encounters.

The video has prompted widespread calls for better education on wildlife behavior and safety, especially for young people in areas where such encounters are becoming more common.

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