Daltonganj: Like every year, this year too, Palamu Tiger reserve (PTR) officials will have to be on their guard as fear of deer poaching is high during the festive season.
Sources said a snare to trap deer has been retrieved in the compartment 2 of the Betla National Park.
The snare is deadly and is likely to kill a deer or a wild board if they chance upon it. The traps are set up near waterbodies or even on routes which the deer and wild boar usually takes.
DFO core PTR Premjit Anand has confirmed the discovery of the snare at the national park.
He agreed that a snare device for poaching is not very uncommon here but the location where it was set up suggests that some outside elements were behind it.
The PTR has allegedly raised a small fleet of its own informers said sources. However, Anand did not confirm that. Sources said the last fortnight of every December is crucial for wildlife here in PTR as villagers love to feast on deer meat.
Anand said strict vigil needs to be exercised during this time and also before the Holi festival as both these seasons are equally sensitive.
A deer serves two purposes. Its meat is consumed while its hide is sold at a high premium. Sources said the PTR officials have increased the vigil in and around the tiger reserve.
