JHAPA: A wild elephant was found dead in a paddy field at Devigunj in Mechinagar municipality-1, Jhapa.

Locals spotted the carcass this morning, and a team from the Division Forest Office, Jhapa, has already reached the site. According to Office Chief Bharat Babu Shrestha, the dead animal is a female. Preparations are underway for post-mortem examinations to determine the cause of death.

Wildlife conservation activist Shankar Luintel said the elephant was around 22 years old. He added that a herd of 12 wild elephants reportedly entered the area from India last night.