A hedgehog deer that had wandered into a residential area in Shakargarh City of Punjab -Province’s Narowal District was successfully rescued and returned to its natural habitat by the Punjab Wildlife Department.

The animal stepped into Mohalla Ansariya and got some locals to try to catch it. Wildlife officials quickly intervened, administered first aid and released deer in the leg -protected forest.

Punjab Rangers supported the rescue team during surgery and ensured a smooth and secure release.

Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Sheikh Zahid Iqbal praised the joint effort and said the timely response helped maintain a vulnerable species and raised the public’s attention to the protection of wildlife.

He noted that such animals, including deer and Nilgai, often cross into Pakistan from India while fled with poachers or seeking food. When inside Pakistan, they get the necessary care and protection.

The rescue obligation highlights ongoing efforts from Pakistani authorities to protect biodiversity and educate citizens on the importance of preservation.

Previously, a rare Indian gray wolf was killed by shepherds near Bahawalpur, which raised alarms among conservationists about the safety of endangered species in Pakistan’s rural areas.

Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Syed Ali Usman confirmed that local shepherds are traced and killed the animal in a rural area. The carcass has been regained and sent to Post-Mortem.

Authorities are investigating the incident under Punjab -Protected Areas ACT 2020 (changed 2025) and have promised to submit a case when the suspects are identified.

The Indian gray wolf (Canis Lupus Pallipes) is a endangered subspecies resident in dry and semi -dry regions of South Asia. A little less and more evasive than its European relatives rarely enters human settlements, unless its habitats are disturbed or food sources run dry.