A young man was found dead while trying to click a selfie with a wild elephant in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district. Srikant Ramchandra Satre, who was 23 years old and had traveled from Navegaon along with friends for some work, was killed by the elephant on Thursday morning in the Abapur forest.

Incidentally, Srikant along with his two friends were on a cable-laying project in Gadchiroli-set out to view a wild elephant said to be roaming in the area. News had spread just two days back about an elephant from the Chittagong-Gadchiroli forest area being spotted in the Abapur forest. Curiosity was what took them into the forest to have a glimpse of the animal.

Srikant took a selfie with himself and the elephant in the background. Unfortunately, the situation only worsened when the elephant came to its senses over the proximity of the group. Charging at the group, Srikant's friends barely managed to escape, but he didn't as the elephant killed him.

This fatal encounter reminds people of the risks involved with getting too close to wild animals for a picture, an action that has been blamed for many cases worldwide. Governors in the area have remained consistent in ensuring locals and visitors never come near wildlife. The sad incident is one that reminds everyone of unpredictable animal behavior and keeping off natural boundaries.

This took the entire community by surprise, leaving most of them in shock and grief. Many relatives, family members, and friends are grieving the loss of life and regret how it ended through a momentary lapse of judgment. The local authorities are equally emphasizing precautionary measures concerning wildlife with special stress on such precautionary measures among people travelling through forests where people might encounter wild animals.

This incident is a wake-up call for the dangers posed by unpredictable animal behavior and the need to respect natural boundaries.

Friends, family, and colleagues mourn the loss of a young life cut short by a momentary lapse in judgment. Local authorities are also emphasising the importance of safety precautions around wildlife, particularly in forested areas where encounters with wild animals may occur.