Coimbatore : A female elephant was found dead in Sirumugai forest range in the district today.

The department officials from the range were on their routine rounds last evening and felt a foul smell in the deep forests.

Though they attempted to venture in the area, pitched darkness and fear of wild elephants prevented them.

A team of forest officials visited the area this morning and found the decomposed carcass of the elephant.

An autopsy is being done to find out the reason for the death.