A wild elephant went on a rampage in a village in India's eastern West Bengal state on Wednesday (10 February), damaging around 100 structures, villagers said. The elephant strayed into Ektiasal village in Siliguri district early in the morning and woke up villagers with its roaring. The villagers went outside and saw the large creature damaging houses and shops.

"The elephant entered from a nearby forest area. It has destroyed many houses and people are scared and helpless," said villager Milan Saha.

Wild animals on the rampage

No injuries have been reported and forest department officials are trying to capture the elephant. Attacks by elephants have been on the rise in eastern India. Wildlife experts say the destruction of animal habitats in the country is one of the main reasons for the increase in encounters between wild animals and villagers in rural areas of India.

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India