Herd of elephants responsible for deadly stampedes in India

Elephant stampedes have been causing death and destruction in India.

Police say a herd of elephants have been menacing over one hundred villages in West Bengal.

Ten people have been killed, and nine others injured, in stampedes over the last two months.

The mammals also severely damaged homes, property and vegetable fields.

Forest officials estimate about seventy-five elephants have been menacing villagers in search of food.

They cited the mammal's growing familiarity with human civilization and the fast diminishing foliage of the forest as the reason behind its movement into residential areas.