Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Apr 19: A wild bison, which had been roaming freely for several years in the Kalenjimale reserve forest under the Vittal police station limits, died on Saturday after getting entangled in a rope snare.

The incident came to light near Anilakatte Purlippady in Vittal Padur village, located at the foothills of the reserve forest. The bison used to frequently visit a pond in the land formerly owned by the late Monappa Gowda to drink water. This pond serves as a water source for the agricultural needs of four to five local families.

On April 17 evening, locals noticed the bison in a distressed state. It had arrived at the pond to quench its thirst, but a thick polythene rope was found tightly coiled around its neck, causing deep and grievous injuries. Unable to bear the excruciating pain, the animal was seen struggling near the water source.

The residents immediately alerted the forest department officials about the animal's condition.

Responding to the call, a team of forest officials arrived at the spot on Friday dusk. They managed to cut the tightening grip of the polythene snare from the bison's neck in an attempt to save it. However, the injuries sustained by the animal were already severe.

On April 18 morning, the bison was found dead by the side of the pond inside the forest area.