Bandipur Wild Elephant Attack: 2 Escapes From Jaws Of Death - Caught On Cam

Two men should consider themselves lucky as they escape from the jaws of death in Bandipur. A viral clip has surfaced online where a wild elephant is chasing them.

The video shows two individuals are being chased by the elephant on a highway that runs through either Muthanga (Kerala) or Moolehole range of Bandipur. However, a driver attempts to shield them by drawing closer to the animal.

The incident was captured by a Wayanad native, as per a report in Manorama. As per the report, it occurred at Abballa near the Kerala border. Wayanad Wildlife Warden Dinesh Kumar told the publication: "Our field staff informed us that the spot is about 10 km from the border," said Dinesh Kumar.

A native of Kunnathmala in Mananthavadi named Savad CA has told the publication that he became an eyewitness to the incident. He was on a trip to Ooty with his family. "At one point, we thought one of the men would be trampled by the animal," Savad added.

The viral video shows that the tusker's focus shifted to a passing vehicle which helped the two have a narrow escape. "We sped away as our family members were very much shocked," Savad said.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Forest Department has launched an investigation into the incident, even as the officials are trying to to identify the individuals involved.

It has to be noted that the Kerala Forest Department had recently imposed a hefty fine on a tourist who tried to capture a selfie with an elephant herd. The authorities identified the tourist by tracking the registration number of the vehicle.

Officials say that trespassing on restricted forest areas carries penalties of imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both.

Meanwhile, netizens have slammed the two people for coming out of their car in a forest region. One user said, "If you play with wildlife, you do not stand a chance. It's just luck that he survived."

The second user commented, "We advised not to get out of the vehicle in this highway. Why was the men out of the car?"