Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Mar 24, 2026 (BSS) - Forest guards have foiled an attempt by poachers to hunt deer in the Sundarbans, rescuing a trapped stag and seizing a large number of snares.

The incident took place on Monday afternoon in the Alorkol forest area of Dubla under the Sharankhola Range of the Sundarbans East Forest Division.

According to forest officials, a patrol team of Smart Team-2, led by Forester Dilip Majumder, conducted a routine foot patrol in the Majherkhal area between patrol outposts when they discovered a series of deer-catching snares spread over nearly one and a half kilometres inside the forest.

During the drive, the team found a large antlered deer caught in one of the traps. The forest guard immediately cut the snare using machetes and safely freed the deer, later releasing it back into the forest.

Officials said the seized snares were set up by poachers to illegally capture deer, and if not detected in time, more wildlife could have fallen victim.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Sundarbans East Forest Division, Bagerhat, Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, said the rescue drive successfully thwarted a planned poaching attempt.

He added that intensified patrol operations are underway in the forest ahead of the upcoming Eid, with strict instructions issued to further strengthen monitoring to protect wildlife in the Sundarbans.