The Ivorian Ministry of Water and Forests has called on the population to increase their vigilance in response to a surge in elephants roaming freely in several localities across the country, particularly near classified forests and protected areas.
Animals have recently been reported in fields, on roadways, and near inhabited areas. Among the mentioned localities are Dassioko, in the Sassandra region, Glangoualé, near Sipilou, as well as Badikaha.
Ivory Coast: 38 Candidates for the First National Internship Competition in Odonto-StomatologyIn Badikaha, a young man was seriously injured during an encounter with an elephant. Authorities remind that the animal is a fully protected species and can become particularly dangerous when it feels threatened, surrounded, or when it is protecting its young.
The ministry advises against improvised attempts to drive away pachyderms, including shouting, throwing stones, or using fire. According to its guidelines, these reactions can cause the animal to panic and increase the risk of charging.
Populations are urged to keep their distance, to slowly back away when an elephant is sighted, and to immediately notify local authorities or Water and Forest agents. Forestry services must carry out repulsion operations in the affected areas.
In Sassandra, the recurring presence of elephants had already been reported at the end of August in the sub-prefecture of Grihiri, with agricultural damage and increased risks of conflict between local populations and wildlife.
