In an unfortunate incident, a 52-year-old man who had ventured into the Gudalur division of forests in Nilgiris to collect firewood, was trampled to death by a wild elephant on Tuesday. The deceased was identified as K Mani of Odakalli village.

The elephant had been roaming in the area for the past few days and the victim was unaware of this, informed Guru Swamy Baddal, district forest officer.

In response to locals staging a protest, demanding that the elephant be chased into the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, the official said that a team has been formed for the same.