A 16-year-old female elephant died as it came in contact with a live wire illegally connected to a fence put up around a private farm at Vettukadu area in Goodalur forest range in Cumbum on Saturday.
The forest officials said the elephant touched the live wire crossing the farm while entering into it for food and water. The farm belonged to one Rajendran, who was said to be absconding. Forest officials said that electric fencing was illegal.
After post mortem, forest officials buried the carcass.