Human-wildlife conflict escalates across Kannur

Human-wildlife conflict is intensifying across Kannur district, with repeated incursions by wild elephants, gaur (Indian bison), and a suspected leopard triggering fear among residents and raising concerns over inadequate mitigation measures. Fresh incidents reported from Aralam, Kolayad, and Sreekandapuram highlight the growing threat to lives, agriculture, and livestock in forest-fringe villages.

In Aralam panchayat, herds of wild elephants entered the Keezhpally-Chathiroor, Parippthode, and Parambathukandy areas over the past two days, damaging crops and venturing close to houses. Forest officials and residents drove the elephants back into the forest after they entered the Chathiroor Neelayil area around 10 p.m. on Wednesday (July 22, 2026). A woman narrowly escaped after coming face to face with the herd, while nearly half an acre of fodder grass was destroyed.