Forest Department has appealed to motorists and tourists to exercise caution while crossing the hilly terrain along the Coonoor-Mettupalayam Road following movement of a lone elephant.

According to sources, a male elephant has been moving around in the area for the last few days. “Though it has not been troubling anyone, motorists are scared to move around in the road. Due to the recent rains, there has been dense growth of bushes on either sides of the road and the elephant frequents the road to consume the grass,” a motorist said.

“The elephant has not been troubling anybody. Vehicular movement has also been normal. But still motorists should exercise caution,” officials said.