Keonjhar: The threat of wildlife poaching in the district has shot up amid repeated incursions by animals into human settlements to quench thirst as water sources continue to dry up.

Deer and wild boar straying into habitations has become a cause for concern for forest department personnel as there is every possibility the species falling prey to poachers.

Two spotted deer were rescued on Wednesday from Machagada village in Patana forest range.

"The animals had made their way to the village in search of water. In the process, they were stuck in a fishing net spread out near a pond. Local residents spotted the deer stuck in the net and informed us. Later, we rescued the animals and released them in the forest," said forest department personnel Bhupati Charan Sethy.

The outbreak of forest fire is also another factor for animals straying into villages. "The forest fire heats up the environs and dries up water sources. This forces the wild animals to migrate for water. Anti-poaching squads are on the job round-the-clock to keep a watch on wildfire and the straying of animals," he said.

"We have formed special squads to fight forest fires. Apart from the natural water sources, the department has carved out new water sources to meet the animals' water needs."

Despite the official's claims of readiness, reports of animals straying into human habitations in search of water are pouring in from different parts of Keonjhar forest division.

According to latest reports, 22 instances of elephants, wild boar, deer and bears sneaking into human habitations - either in search of water or food - have been reported.