AS WE continue to build roads near wildlife habitats, encounters between humans and wild animals are bound to happen.
It was reported that a wild elephant was hit by a car recently near Dungun, Terengganu.
Did this actually happen?
Verdict:
TRUE
The Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) is tracking a wild elephant believed to have been hit by a vehicle at KM160 of Jalan Jerangau-Jabor, close to Jabor Estate, near here, on Monday (Sept 14) night.
Its director Dennis Ten Choon Yung said five Perhilitan personnel rushed to the scene after receiving information about the incident.
The wild elephant is believed to have strayed from the nearby Bukit Bandi-Cerul Protected Forest.
The elephant is believed to be an Asian elephant and its gender has yet to be identified.
"Monitoring and further inspection of the elephant will continue to identify its location and ensure the animal's current condition," Ten said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 15).
Further examination at the scene found traces of mud and food believed to be the elephant's vomit near the car involved in the accident.
A wildlife crossing sign was also located about 4km from the accident site.
Vehicle drivers have been advised to exercise caution and follow speed limits, especially when passing through areas that could potentially be wildlife crossings.
Three people sustained minor injuries in an accident involving two cars after one of the vehicles hit an elephant at KM160 of Jalan Jerangau-Jabor last night.
However, Perhilitan is still tracking the elephant and has yet to confirm its current location or condition.
