The woman who was a
Rising Encounters
Elephants are widely respected as symbols of intelligence and memory, and most human encounters are peaceful.
But as farms and villages expand into wildlife habitats, interactions have increased, sometimes turning dangerous.
The 2022 Incident
In Raipai village, Odisha, a 68-year-old woman was fatally injured in 2022 when a wild elephant separated from its herd near her home.
Later the same day, elephants were again seen near the village during funeral preparations, causing fear and damage.
Why It Happens
Experts say these incidents are “not driven by malice.” Habitat loss, blocked migration routes, food shortages, and stress can trigger defensive behavior in elephants.
Preventing Future Tragedies
Conservationists warn that “human–elephant conflict is a growing challenge across Asia.” Protecting wildlife corridors,
improving early-warning systems, and smarter land-use planning are key to reducing risk and supporting coexistence.
