Anuradhapura: trap gun targeting wild elephants found, one arrested

Wildlife officers have discovered and defused an illegally set trap gun targeting wild elephants near a maize field in the Anuradhapura area.

The trap gun had been set close to the area roamed by the well-known wild elephant Agbo. An officer inspecting the field brushed against the tripwire connected to the gun, noticed it and immediately disarmed the weapon.

In a follow-up search on Sunday, equipment used to set trap guns was found in a nearby field hut, and a man there was arrested on suspicion. During questioning, he admitted to setting the trap gun at a height of about five feet, aimed at elephants, wildlife officers said.

Officers suspect it may have been set to stop elephants entering the maize field, but said its true purpose has yet to be confirmed. The arrested man and the seized equipment are to be produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate's Court. Notably, this is the second time a trap gun has been found targeting the elephant Agbo.