An image of the wild elephants seen in a residential area in Ma Da Commune, Vinh Cuu District, Dong Nai (Photo: Hoang Binh).
On April 15, Tran Duc Son, Chairman of the Ma Da Commune People's Committee, confirmed that approximately seven elephants had been seen entering agricultural areas in hamlets 4 and 5. The elephants tend to appear at night. The local authorities are currently assessing the damage to crops and livestock caused by the animals to propose appropriate support policies for affected residents.
According to Son, Dong Nai provincial authorities constructed a 70-kilometre electric fence to prevent wild elephants from encroaching on residential areas. However, the elephants often topple trees onto the wires and manage to breach the barrier.
Lam, a resident of Ma Da, shared that for several nights, locals travelling late have frequently encountered the herd along the road leading to Ma Da Bridge. The elephants are typically spotted between 2 am and 5 am, and retreat into the forest once daylight breaks.
The presence of elephants close to residential areas has caused considerable concern among locals. Residents are not only worried about the destruction of their crops but also fear the potential threat to them.
In addition to entering farmland, the herd was seen on route DT761, which connects Vinh Cuu district centre to the Southern Central Committee Base historical site, raising concerns about possible traffic accidents.
The elephant herd is often seen on route DT761
According to a representative from Dong Nai's Forest Protection Department, this is not the first time residents in the province have observed wild elephants. Recently, sightings of elephants venturing out of the forest for food in farmlands have become increasingly common.
Current statistics indicate that Dong Nai is home to a herd of approximately 18 to 19 elephants, including 4 to 5 calves.
