Elephant, sloth bear found in Tamil Nadu

A female elephant was found dead at Kaalakkaal Mokkai coming under Masinagudi in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the Nilgiris district on Tuesday, Forest department sources said.

The field staff of Mangalaapatti beat on rounds noticed the dead animal and immediately alerted Forest Department officials, who rushed to the spot.

The reason for the death will be known after the post-mortem, Forest department sources said.

Meanwhile, an 86-year old farmer Ramasamy was detained for inquiry, following the suspected electrocution of a sloth bear on the fence of his land at Vazhaithottam village in the district.

The male animal was found lying dead on the wired fence on the farmland, reportedly connected with power, they said.