A forest ranger was seriously injured, when a wild elephant attacked him, while he was on morning rounds in Bokkapuram forest area, some 25 km from here.

The 50-year old Sadayappan was on usual rounds, along with four other officials, when a wild elephant suddenly appeared in front of them, police said.

As all the officials scattered, the elephant targeted Sadayappan, who could not run as fast as the others. The elephant attacked Sadayappan from behind with its tusk. However, it turned on its track and retreated into the jungle when officials raised an alarm.

The ranger was brought to the Government hospital here. However, considering the seriousness of the injury, he was taken to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital.