JHARKLAND, INDIA, March 22, 2001: Villagers in the state have appealed to the government to help them in controlling the threat wild elephants are imposing on their lives. Terrified of the pachyderms, most villages now offer prayers to Lord Ganesh and keep night-time vigils. Apparently the problem escalates when baby elephants wander into the villages and their parents instinctively react to protect them. After killing and injuring several people, the elephants are forcing people away from village life and farm work. No action has been taken by the administration in the region to find a solution — it is illegal in India to kill an elephant — and the villagers feel helpless.
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