Mongla, Sept 27 (V7N) – Two spotted deer that swam across the Pashur River into a local settlement while fleeing a tiger in the Sundarbans were rescued and later released back into the forest by the Forest Department.

According to Md. Azad Kabir, Acting Officer of the Karamjal Tourism and Wildlife Breeding Center under the Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Forest Division, the incident occurred on Saturday morning. Residents of Sindhurtala village, located on the eastern bank of the Pashur River opposite Karamjal, spotted the deer and immediately informed the authorities.

Forest officials, along with locals from Chila and Boidomari areas, rushed to the site. Seeing the crowd, the frightened animals attempted to flee, but they were eventually secured near the Jora Bridge area with the help of local volunteers. The rescued deer, both female and aged around seven to eight years, were later released safely into the Karamjal forest area.

Kabir explained that the deer had likely crossed the Pashur River—over two kilometers wide—while being chased by a tiger. “Deer usually leave their habitat for two reasons: either when pursued by a tiger or when attacked by biting insects such as gadflies and deer flies. In this case, I am certain the two deer were escaping a tiger’s chase,” he said.

He further noted that local communities have become more aware of wildlife conservation. “In the past, people often tried to capture or hide deer that strayed into villages. Now, instead of harming them, they inform us immediately. This growing awareness is a positive sign for protecting the Sundarbans and its biodiversity. If we work together, the forest will remain healthy for future generations,” Kabir added.

Wildlife experts point out that the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, is also a critical habitat for thousands of spotted deer. Human-wildlife encounters occasionally occur when animals flee predators or face ecological stress. Conservationists stress the importance of community participation in safeguarding the delicate balance of the Sundarbans ecosystem.

END/AHS/SMA/