Floods Force Wild Animals to Escape Sanctuaries in West Bengal
Heavy floods in West Bengal have led to a catastrophic escape of numerous wild animals from their sanctuaries. The state has witnessed a grim toll of at least 36 human lives and hundreds of homes destroyed since October 3. Among the escaped animals are elephants, tigers, leopards, and one-horned rhinoceros from Gorumara and Jaldapara national parks.
The floods have submerged the parks, forcing the animals to flee their habitats. A herd of 30 elephants has been spotted running through water, while a leopard was seen negotiating choppy waters, although its current whereabouts are unknown. Two captive elephants were swiftly deployed to rescue an adult rhino and two elephant calves stranded on a riverbank.
The escape has resulted in several animal casualties. The carcasses of two leopards, a rhino, and numerous bison and deer have been found on riverbanks. The Forest Minister of West Bengal, Pratap Chandra Sarangi, has confirmed the animal outbreak from the wildlife reserves. Despite the grim situation, it's a testament to the successful conservation efforts in the region that India's one-horned Asian rhino population has nearly tripled in the past four decades.
The floods in West Bengal have caused widespread devastation, with both human lives and wildlife affected. Authorities are working tirelessly to rescue and contain the escaped animals, while also aiding the flood victims. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human development and wildlife conservation.
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