Kochi | A wild elephant that had been frequently straying into human habitation was tranquilised by Forest department officials at Kottapady near Kothamangalam here on Thursday, officials said.

According to officials, the elephant, which is believed to have health issues, had been roaming around the Vadakkumbhagam area of Kottapady panchayat for the past few days, posing a threat to residents.

After monitoring its movements for the past few days, the Forest department darted the animal with a tranquiliser at the forest fringes on Thursday morning.

Forest officials said that once the elephant is fully sedated, veterinarians will examine its health condition and provide the necessary medical treatment.

After the examination, a radio collar will be fitted to the elephant, and it will be driven back into the forest once it regains consciousness, officials said.

The officials said the elephant had not attacked anyone so far, but had been destroying crops and venturing close to human habitations.

Its movement will be closely monitored after its release, following which further steps will be decided, they added.