Wildlife authorities crack down on elephant feeding along Kataragama road

The Department of Wildlife Conservation has resolved to pursue legal action against vehicle operators engaged in feeding wild elephants along the busy Kataragama–Buttala Road corridor, marking an escalation in efforts to curb the practice.

The move comes amid growing incidents of motorists stopping to provide food to elephants in the region, a behaviour that conservationists warn poses significant risks to both human safety and wildlife welfare. The road passes through areas frequented by elephants, creating regular interactions between vehicles and the animals.

Authorities have expressed concern that feeding wild elephants encourages them to associate roads and vehicles with food sources, increasing the likelihood of dangerous encounters and potential accidents. The practice also disrupts natural feeding patterns and can lead to elephants becoming dependent on human-provided food, which officials say compromises their ability to forage independently in their natural habitat.

The Department's enforcement action represents a stricter approach to wildlife protection in the region. Motorists found in violation of wildlife conservation regulations face potential fines and legal penalties under existing legislation governing interactions with protected fauna.