Nine golden jackals found electrocuted near Kochi airport

Although it appears to be a case of accidental electrocution from a power line, a case will be registered in connection with the incident, a senior forest official said. | Photo credit: special arrangement

Nine golden jackals were found electrocuted in an open field at Nayathode near the Cochin International Airport in Ernakulam, Kerala.

The animal carcasses were found by the owner of the farm on Monday (June 29, 2026). The animals are suspected to have died of electric shock caused by a broken Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) power line. According to foresters, the owner of the business escaped without injury.

It appears to be a case of accidental electrocution from a power line. However, a case will be registered in connection with the incident, said a senior forest official.

Golden jackals, listed as one of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, are commonly found in Kerala and are listed as Least Concern in view of their population size, global distribution and conservation issues. They are considered “experienced scavengers”. They also prey on small mammals, rodents, hares, birds and insects, according to wildlife experts.

Published – 29 Jun 2026 13:47 IST