Panathadi: Trekkers visiting Ranipuram had a tough time waiting on Thursday morning for a wild tusker to move away from a trekking path where it languished for hours. Several trekkers, including those from Karnataka, were forced to return disappointed without being able to climb the terrain.

Before the trekking to the meadows on Manimala Hill in Ranipuram forest began, the Forest Department conduct an inspection of the trail on a daily basis to check for the presence of wild elephants. Officials spotted the elephant during the inspection in the morning on Thursday, prompting a halt in trekking activities. Dense fog over the meadows further complicated matters, making it difficult to spot the elephant even if it came close.

Authorities decided to resume trekking on Friday after ensuring the safety of visitors. Meanwhile, complaints are rising over the growing menace of wild elephants encroaching into human settlements in the Ranipuram region.