Sambar deer accidentally crosses the border

Narowal’s wildlife team treated and released the animal safely back

LAHORE:

A female sambar deer that had strayed into the Narowal border region was rescued, treated for minor injuries, and released back into its natural habitat.

A day earlier, residents of the border village of Karpaal had spotted the animal after it reportedly crossed over from India and became disoriented. They managed to restrain the deer and informed the wildlife authorities.

According to officials, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Narowal, Muhammad Taimoor, immediately dispatched a rescue team. With the support of Punjab Rangers and local police, the deer was safely recovered.

Wildlife staff noted that the animal had sustained minor injuries due to continuous running and contact with thick vegetation. After initial medical treatment, the deer was released into its natural environment, where it bounded away, offering what officials described as a striking and memorable sight.

A resident of Narowal, Muhammad Kashif, said this was not the first time a wild animal had strayed into the area. When a few local youths caught the sambar, they initially considered informing the police, but later feared the animal might be slaughtered instead of being protected. They therefore tried to contact the wildlife department, but were unable to reach anyone. The video of the sambar was then shared on social media, after which wildlife officials made contact and a team arrived at the spot.

Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Muhammad Taimur said the team examined the sambar and found it to be a young and healthy female, though it had sustained minor injuries from running continuously and moving through bushes. The wildlife rescue team treated its wounds and released it back into a safe area within its natural habitat.

According to wildlife officials, if the female sambar had been more seriously injured, it would have been shifted to the wildlife rescue centre for treatment. However, since the injuries were minor, it was released directly into its natural environment.

Sambar deer are native to South Asia and Southeast Asia and typically inhabit dense forests close to water bodies. They are known for their strong swimming ability. Experts say that illegal hunting and habitat loss have placed the species under significant pressure. Due to this, they often come to the Narowal border region during the winter season. Cross-border movement of sambar deer from India into Pakistan is reported from time to time.

Chief Wildlife Ranger Mubeen Elahi stated that wildlife rescue operations will continue without interruption and that the safety of both personnel and wildlife will remain a priority during such missions.