Karkala: A male sambar deer, estimated to be between one-and-a-half and two years old, was found dead near the children’s park adjacent to the taluk office in Karkala on Tuesday morning.
The carcass was noticed by morning walkers, who immediately alerted the authorities. Forest Department personnel reached the spot and conducted an inspection.
Deer may have strayed from forest area
The Forest Department suspects that the sambar deer may have strayed into the area from forest limits adjoining Kukkandoor village.
The presence of a wild animal close to the taluk office and children’s park drew attention after morning walkers spotted the carcass and informed the authorities.
Forest officials examined the animal at the spot as part of the preliminary investigation into its death.
Minor injuries found on head and horns
Minor injuries were observed on the deer’s head and horns during the inspection.
According to the preliminary assessment by veterinarians, the animal may have died of cardiac arrest triggered by panic. However, officials have not confirmed the exact cause of death pending the post-mortem examination.
Karkala Range Forest Officer (RFO) Arun said a post-mortem examination is being conducted to establish the precise cause of death.
He added that a clearer picture would emerge after the post-mortem report is received.
The Forest Department is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the animal’s movement into the town area and the cause of its death as part of the investigation.