The Forest Department has said that the tusker which lost one of its tusks during a recent fight with another tusker at Bikkodu in Belur, is in good health and engaging in normal activities.Sourabh Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests in the Hassan division, in a communique to the media on Wednesday, November 12, stated that he inspected the movement of the wild elephant, locally named Bhima, along with veterinarians in Belur. The animal had a fight with another tusker named Captain on November 9, and lost one of its tusks.“The elephant is found to be healthy. It was observed drinking water, eating grass, and rolling in the mud. Its behaviour confirms its good health,” the officer said.After the fight, the tusker moved to Udevara in Sakleshpur and then returned to Bikkodu. “At present, the elephant has been roaming near Bakravalli and Kittagere in Bikkodu,” he stated.Mr. Sourabh Kumar gave this clarification following false messages about the elephant’s health being circulated on social media platforms. He also added that taking photographs or recording videos of wildlife without prior permission from the Forest Department is an offence.Published - November 12, 2025 08:53 pm IST