A wild elephant was reportedly disturbed by locals in India when they set off fireworks near the animal.
Videos surfaced online of residents in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district reportedly lighting loud firecrackers near a wild elephant named 'Omkar', sparking outrage amongst citizens.
The animal appeared visibly agitated, raising concerns about safety and animal welfare.
A video from Sindhudurg shows ‘Omkar’, the wild elephant known to roam through Dodamarg, Banda & Sawantwadi, being chased away with firecrackers.
— Ranjeet Shamal Bajirao Jadhav (@ranjeetnature) November 8, 2025
Wildlife experts warn such actions stress the animal & heighten the risk of human–elephant conflict.
Officials urge restraint & safe… pic.twitter.com/FhE10ARAbF
Commenters expressed their disapproval at the incident online.
“We are really a disturbed society. We don't teach our new generation empathy, compassion and kindness. Such a shame,” said Instagram user @dipikkasingh.
Others expressed concern for farming settlements situated near elephant migration routes that frequently face crop destruction due to the tuskers.
“Extremely sad to see this. However, wild elephants are not easy neighbours for agrarian communities- they cause immense damage to lives and livelihoods. Not condoning these actions at all. There are also just as many cases of people living very peacefully alongside wild elephants and other potentially dangerous wildlife,” said Instagram user @scinecemowgli.
Wildlife experts warn provocations could escalate human-elephant conflict in the region, urging residents to keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the migrating animal.
According to a Mid-Day report, authorities are tracking the elephant’s movements and appealing to villagers for cooperation.
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