Ponda: The ongoing work on the National Highways during nighttime has disturbed the natural corridors of wild bisons in Goa, leading them into the city areas, a senior forest department official said.
The Goa Forest Department on Tuesday night drove a female bison into the nearby forest areas after it was found roaming freely on the streets of Ponda city in North Goa, chased by curious citizens. Videos of citizens chasing the bison on their bikes in the heart of Ponda city went viral this morning, raising concerns about wild animals straying outside forest areas.
When contacted, Deputy Conservator of Forest (North Division) Jiss K. Varkey said that a female bison had ventured into the city, after which the Rescue Squad of the forest department managed to guide her back into the nearby forest areas. He added that disturbances to their natural corridors have been one of the reasons for wild bisons frequently venturing into Ponda city.
Varkey said that the ongoing work on the National Highway passing through the Ponda area during nighttime has created disturbances to their natural corridors. “Usually, they don’t venture into the city, but their natural crossings are affected due to work on the National Highway that is ongoing even at night,” he said.
He also mentioned that there is a good population of bisons in the forests around Ponda city, including Bethora village. Varkey stated that the city is located between forest areas.
The Deputy Conservator of Forests further explained that the bison which had strayed into Ponda town was a female and was less aggressive. He also urged people to avoid chasing the animal or shooting videos, as it may become aggressive when irritated.
