A frightened deer, which was about to drown, was rescued by fishermen from river Mahanadi at the Munduli Barrage in Naraj on Wednesday. The animal was released into the Dampara wildlife sanctuary after it was handed over to forest officials.
According to reports, the seven-year-old deer, which weighs around 1.5 quintal, had fallen into the Mahanadi under the Athagarh Forest Division. After swimming for a long distance, it tried to come out of water at an embankment near the Munduli Barrage, where a few dogs tried to attack it.
Having no other option, the terrified deer once again entered the deep water and struggled to survive.
Spotting the deer, fishermen saved it with the help of a boat and rope.