Thirteen wild elephants have been causing disturbances and destruction in Zhemgang, causing 16 households in Takapai to live in uncertainty for over three weeks. Forest officials discovered 11 elephants in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, causing damage to abandoned houses, temporary labor camps, poultry farms, and fruit trees. Elephants at Tama School damaged kitchen and principal’s quarter windows, prompting Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and local authorities to form community response teams.
Wild elephants in human settlements are escalating tensions between wildlife and rural communities, prompting forestry officials and police to advise residents to light fires. Long-term solutions may be required to manage these encounters as human and elephant populations struggle for resources and space, despite current efforts to protect lives and property.