A dairy farmer was injured after being attacked by a wild elephant near Sultan Bathery in Wayanad district of Kerala on Thursday, forest officials said.

The injured has been identified as Sasi (55), a resident of Pazheri near Sultan Bathery.

According to forest officials, Mr. Sasi was on his way to a milk collection society in the wee hours of Thursday when the incident occurred.

He was walking behind a group of people, holding an umbrella, when a wild tusker emerged from behind and attacked him.

The impact of the attack threw Mr. Sasi into a roadside pit. The elephant then attempted to gore him with its tusks, officials said. Fortunately, a dog approached the elephant, diverting its attention.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Mr. Sasi managed to reach a narrow bridge that the elephant could not cross.

Local residents rushed to the spot and shifted him to the Government Hospital at Sultan Bathery. Forest officials said his condition is stable.

Officials have launched efforts to track the elephant and drive it back into the forest.

The Forest department said the attack occurred in an area where wild animals are frequently spotted.