Three bison found dead in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, May 25 (IANS) Three bison were found dead Friday just outside the Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary, forest officials said, adding that death of protected animals have been reported from the same area earlier as well.

The sanctuary which is located in Mahasamund district and spread in an area of over 245 sq km, is one of the important wildlife sanctuaries in the state with a variety of rare wild animals including bison.

The dead bison -- two female and a male -- were found dead under the Ravan range that falls under the area of Forest Development Corporation.

"Poisoning seems to be the reason of death," said R.K. Sharma, managing director of the corporation.

He said that as in summer season, water sources in Barnawapara sanctuary dry up, the animals are forced to comeout to nearby areas in search of water. The bison were found dead near a pond close to Ladadih village.