Karkala: A lone elephant was spotted on National Highway 166 near Ganapathi Katte, close to the SK Border in Karkala on Monday evening.

The wild animal appeared unexpectedly on the highway, momentarily halting traffic and causing anxiety among travellers.

Eyewitnesses reported that the elephant did not cause any harm or disturbance to vehicles or passengers, peacefully moving off the road and back into the forest after a few minutes. Passengers who were passing through the area captured footage of the elephant lifting a large branch with its trunk while crossing the road, and the video quickly circulated on social media.

According to forest officials, this lone elephant is known to roam areas stretching from Hosanagara, Agumbe, Manikyabetta, Ganapathi Katte, Malali, Naravi, and Charmadi, often making its way toward the Kumara Parvatha region. Forest authorities are keeping an eye on the elephant’s movements to ensure both public and animal safety.