Hebri: Elephant attack damages banana, coconut plantations

Hebri: Elephant attack damages banana, coconut plantations

Mangalore Today News Network

Hebri, Apr 6, 2026: Fresh elephant movement has been reported in Hebri taluk, with plantations in Nadpalu and Peethabailu areas severely damaged following a raid on Friday night.

The elephant reportedly attacked the plantations of Lakshman Gowda and Anand Gowda of Nadpalu, and Jayanth Gowda of Peethabailu, destroying arecanut trees, banana plants, and several other crops.

Frequent night-time raids by elephants in the Kabbināle region have caused distress among families in the Malnad area. Residents are living in fear and are hesitant to move around at night.

Although the situation had somewhat stabilized after the death of Naxal leader Vikram Gowda in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force a few years ago, the renewed elephant menace has once again alarmed locals. The animal involved is suspected to be a young elephant, around 12 years old.

During the jackfruit and mango season, elephants tend to move more frequently in hilly regions. This elephant has been sighted in the upper parts of Valikunja hill in the Kabbināle area and is reportedly moving through forest routes across Kabbināle, Nadpalu, Chara, Varanga, Andaru, and parts of Karkala taluk including Shirlalu and Kerwashe.