S.M. Saiful Islam Kabir,  Sundarbans

A spotted deer that strayed into a village near the Sundarbans—part of the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—was rescued and safely released back into the forest. 

The incident occurred on Thursday morning  in Bakultala village of Southkhali Union, under Sarankhola Upazila in Bagerhat district. The rescue operation stands as a shining example of collaborative wildlife conservation between local residents and the Forest Department.

The deer was first spotted by Mohammad Babu, a resident of Dakshin Tafalbari village, near the forest's edge. It is believed that the animal entered the locality either in search of food or out of fear. Babu attempted to guide the deer back to the forest, but in its panic, the deer became entangled in a net near a house in Bakultala village.

Local residents quickly gathered at the scene. Two young men from the area, Md. Sohel Fakir and Zakir Hossain, contacted the Forest Department and informed Md. Hawladar Alam, the Field Facilitator of the VTRT and WildTeam.

Responding swiftly, members of the Forest Department, VTRT, and WildTeam arrived at Bakultala. Under the leadership of Range Officer Rana Deb of the Sarankhola Range, the deer was rescued, given initial treatment and observation, and then safely released into a secure part of the Sundarbans.

“This is a spotted deer,” said Range Officer Rana Deb. “They sometimes enter localities either in search of food or due to panic. Thanks to the awareness and cooperation of the locals, we were able to return the animal unharmed to the forest.”

Md. Sohel Fakir, one of the rescuers, said, “When we saw the deer was trapped, we didn’t panic. Instead, we all came forward to help and then informed the Forest Department.”

Incidents of wild animals entering villages are not uncommon in the Sarankhola Range of the Eastern Division of the Sundarbans. However, increased public awareness has significantly reduced tendencies to harm or kill these animals. Instead, locals now actively coordinate with the Forest Department to rescue and release them safely.

Capturing, killing, or trafficking wildlife is a punishable offense under the law. The authorities have urged the public to immediately report to the Forest Department if any wild animal enters a locality.