A dead deer was found with shrapnel in its body, which was found next to a national road, in the area of ​​Lake Kerkini, below the village of Akritochori. The unfortunate animal was spotted by the guard of the National Park, Antonis Iliadis, during his patrol.

The Sidirokastro Forest Service and the K. Poroiion Police Department were immediately informed of the incident, while in the autopsy that followed, it is alleged that two other deer suffered the same “fate” that the perpetrators supposedly took with them.

“There were three deer they killed, according to the autopsy and the tracks found. The two deer were reportedly small and easily carried, while the female deer that was found was about 200-250 kg,” said the Kerkini National Park ranger, Antonis Iliadis, to APE-MPE

According to Mr. Iliadis, the deer were farm animals of the area, which were legally imported from abroad and escaped the fence of the farm after the death of their breeder months ago and the abandonment of the farm.

“It is estimated that there were 18 deer living on the farm, with the male reaching around 350 kg and which can currently roam free,” said Mr. Iliadis, while the fate of the remaining deer remains unknown.

“There are two issues that are being raised at the moment, firstly the road safety of the citizens, as these animals that make long trots, are used to the human presence and are not frightened by the passing of vehicles, and the second and very important issue is how these rare animals, which have been saved so far, are located on the shores of Lake Kerkini and the wider area and must be protected at all costs”, points out the keeper of the Kerkini National Park.

“Although hunting has been banned since February and hunting guns had to be in their holsters, nevertheless this heinous act proves that there are unconscionable hunters, who accidentally had guns in cars and who may have accidentally killed the vicious animals. Everything happens by mistake,” says Mr. Iliadis with “bitterness” to APE-MPE.

Investigations to identify the perpetrators are being carried out by the AT Poroiion, while the identification of the deer is under the management of the forest office of the region.