On Thursday a herd of around 25 wild elephants trampled a tea garden in the Doars region of India’s West Bengal state.

[Govind Munda, Witness]:
"I came here and saw a lot of people. Elephants here are so large in number that they are chasing people.”

Forest officials were called in to drive the animals back to the forest, but the long chase was in vain.

[Sibu Oroan, Local]:
“Officials from the forest department are here but they are not doing anything. They should do something but are sitting silent.”

Massive deforestation, poaching and loss of habitat have forced elephants to move out of their natural stomping grounds in search of food and water.

India has over 50 percent of Asiatic elephants, considered to be among the most intelligent animals. Unfortunately, the number of elephants has dwindled in recent years.