A wild elephant, which was roaming in Siddapura area in Udupi district, was caught by forest department officials at Urapal, near Hennabail of Siddapura, on Thursday evening.

According to forest officials, the radio-collared male elephant, aged about 12 years, which had earlier been translocated from Hassan to Bhadra Tiger Reserve, had strayed into human settlements after getting separated from the group.

Residents of Siddapura, Hosangadi and Kamalashile areas were apprehensive after the elephant was spotted near Siddapura about three days ago.

Shops were forced to down shutters by 6.30 pm daily as a precaution, and schools and colleges remained closed in those areas till Thursday. The elephant was being monitored closely since Thursday afternoon using signals from its radio collar. A team comprising about 150 personnel — including officials from Kudremukh Wildlife Division, local forest staff, and the Elephant Task Force from Chikkamagalur — was involved in the operation.

The officials said six tamed elephants, including from the Sakrebail Elephant Camp, were deployed to help control the wild tusker. The team used a 1.2 ml dose of tranquillizer, which took effect in about 20 minutes, allowing them to safely capture the animal. The road stretch between Siddapura and Hosangadi was closed from 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm on Thursday for the safety of commuters during the operation.

The captured elephant was taken to Sakrebail Elephant Camp in Shivamogga district.