The elephants that had initially migrated to Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from neighbouring Chhattisgarh over a year ago seem to prefer staying in the state. The herd had moved to Chhattisgarh two days back due to forest fires in Gadchiroli but has since returned. Experts feel this is a sign that the tuskers are feeling secure in their current location that has adequate food and water.

Elephant expert Sagnik Sengupta from NGO Stripes and Green Earth Foundation, whose team has been assisting the Maharashtra Forest Department in monitoring the pachyderms, feels that the herd of 23 is in no mood to return to Chhattisgarh as they have stayed back for longer than they did on their last arrival. “Though the reason for their return is not yet known, I strongly feel they have been pushed back,” Sengupta said.