In a remarkable wildlife incident that captured the imagination of local residents, a young barking deer accidentally wandered into a village situated within the Kendai range of the Katghora forest division in Korba district, Chhattisgarh. The unexpected appearance of the fawn, estimated to be between four to five months old, sparked widespread curiosity and concern among the community.
An Unlikely Mix-Up in the Forest
The fawn, locally referred to as 'Kotri' in the Chhattisgarhi dialect, reportedly became separated from its mother during grazing activities in the dense forest range. In a curious turn of events, the young deer found itself mingling with a herd of goats and their kids, blending in seamlessly with the domestic animals.
Discovery and Rescue Operation
Initially, the unusual addition to the goat herd went completely unnoticed by the goat grazer who was tending to the animals. It was only after the herd returned to the village that the presence of the barking deer fawn came to light, creating quite a stir among villagers.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kumar Nishant provided details about the incident, stating, "The mix-up occurred approximately one week ago. As soon as we received information about the situation, our forest department team immediately sprang into action to ensure the safe handling and relocation of the barking deer."
The forest officials carefully assessed the situation and determined that the fawn was healthy but disoriented. Following proper wildlife rescue protocols, the team successfully captured the young deer without causing any harm or distress to the animal.
Safe Return to Natural Habitat
The forest department personnel transported the barking deer fawn back to a suitable location within the Katghora forest division, ensuring it was released in an area with adequate food sources and minimal human disturbance. This careful relocation aimed to maximize the fawn's chances of reuniting with its mother or successfully adapting to life in the wild.
Such incidents highlight the delicate balance between human settlements and wildlife habitats in forested regions of Chhattisgarh. The Katghora forest division, known for its rich biodiversity, occasionally witnesses similar encounters where wild animals inadvertently enter human-dominated spaces.
The prompt response by forest officials demonstrates the effectiveness of wildlife management protocols in the region. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of community awareness regarding wildlife conservation and the proper procedures to follow when encountering wild animals in residential areas.
This heartwarming rescue story serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the ongoing efforts to protect India's diverse wildlife populations while maintaining harmonious coexistence between human communities and forest inhabitants.
