Coimbatore : An elephant was found floating dead at a canal attached to Thirumurthy Dam in nearby Tirupur district early Friday.

The carcass of the elephant, seven to eight years old in appearance, moving from Anamalai Tiger Reserve, was floating in the Contour canal, flowing to the dam, fores department sources said.

The elephant, while moving in search of water could have lost its balance and slipped to the canal, leading to its death.

The pachyderm has injuries on its head and the reason for the death could be ascertained only after postmortem, they said.