Uttarakhand: Who is "Selfie wala Sambar," why doesn't it like jungle, wants to live with humans in Ramnagar
Ramnagar: Near the Kosi Barrage on the Ramnagar-Haldwani state highway in Uttarakhand, the same famous "selfie wala sambar" has once again become the center of attraction and discussion. This sambar deer is being seen regularly these days on the roadside and very close to populated areas. Surprisingly, this sambar is neither afraid of speeding vehicles nor of the people around it.
Local resident Ajay says that the sambar is seen standing on the roadside every morning, attracting crowds of passersby and motorists. He said that the sambar has now completely adapted to the environment here. People are seen taking photos and selfies with it, although this situation could prove dangerous at any time.
Forest Dept had released it in dense forest
Locals say that the Forest Department had previously caught this sambar and released it in a dense forest, far from populated areas, but despite this, it travelled several kilometers and returned to the same place.
It is being said that the sambar is unable to forget this area. The environment, water, and greenery around the Kosi Barrage are perhaps drawing it back repeatedly. Wildlife experts believe that the repeated return of any wild animal to populated areas can lead to human-wildlife conflict in the future.
The presence of the sambar on the state highway has also increased the risk of road accidents. Drivers have to apply brakes suddenly when it appears in front of them, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Meanwhile, it is a major challenge for the Forest Department to permanently keep the sambar in a safe forest area so that neither the animal is harmed nor people's lives are put at risk.
Local people are demanding that the Forest Department find a concrete and long-term solution to this problem soon. Currently, the "selfie sambar" has once again become a topic of discussion in Ramnagar.