Spotted deer dies of dog bites in Vandalur

In another incident, a spotted deer that strayed from a reserve forest and fell into a well in an agriculture field in Aasoor village, Kancheepuram district, was rescued by locals and the fire and rescue services personnel on Saturday. The animal was later handed over to the wildlife department — Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam

An adult spotted deer died of injuries sustained from dog bites at Arungal village inside Vandalur reserve forest area near Tambaram.

Residents of the village noticed the carcass on Saturday morning. Forest department officials carried it to the animal hospital inside Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur. It was buried later in the day.

Officials suspect a pack of about four dogs may have chased the deer and attacked it on its rear causing deep injuries. The male deer was about 4 years old, an official said.

There have been several instances of dogs attacking spotted deer, also known as chital (Axis axis), in the reserve forests around Tambaram.

The animals are found in abundance in the reserve forests of Vandalur, Maaganiyam and Kaayar that come under Tambaram forest range, and also in the neighbouring forests.

There are plenty of spotted dear in these forests due to the lush green vegetation. According to the forest department, the population of the deer has increased considerably over the past 5 years in the reserve forests around Tambaram.

During hot summer days, when there is a scarcity of water, the spotted deer venture out of the forest areas. In recent times, dog attacks apart, there have been several instances of the gentle, docile animals being hit by speeding vehicles on Vandalur–Kelambakkam Road.