Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 12 hrs ago
Another Rare Black Deer Spotted in Kurseong Forest
A tourist spotted a rare black deer while trekking in the forests of Kurseong, in West Bengal.
The deer was seen in the pine-filled Dow Hill area, where tourists have been visiting during the Durga Puja season.
A similar deer was recorded in the same area earlier this year by Kurseong forest officer Debesh Pandey.
The deer belongs to the barking deer species, and genetic changes can make its coat appear black.
The tourist and others in the group took photographs, and the repeated sightings drew attention from visitors and forest officials.
Pandey said seeing a black deer in the open was a first for the area, though the sources give no details of any further action.
A black deer was spotted again in the Dow Hill forests of Kurseong, West Bengal.
A tourist trekking with a group saw the deer and took photographs.
A similar deer was recorded in the same area earlier this year by Kurseong Divisional Forest Officer Debesh Pandey.
Reports identify the deer as a barking deer, but one article says its dark colour needs scientific confirmation before it can be attributed to melanism.
The sighting has renewed interest in the area’s wildlife and the need to protect its habitat.
- Who
- A tourist trekking with a group saw the deer. Kurseong Divisional Forest Officer Debesh Pandey recorded a similar deer earlier this year.
- What
- A black deer was spotted and photographed in the forest.
- When
- The latest sighting was reported on October 19, 2026; the exact time of the sighting is not stated.
- Where
- The Dow Hill forests in Kurseong, West Bengal.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kurseong Divisional Forest Officer Debesh Pandey spotted and photographed a similar black deer in Dow Hill.
A tourist trekking in the Dow Hill forests saw and photographed another black deer.
- Location
- Dow Hill forests, Kurseong, West Bengal
- Species
- Reported as a barking deer
- Earlier sighting
- Debesh Pandey recorded a similar deer earlier this year
- Latest report
- October 19, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
This is a matter of great pride for the state forest department and all wildlife lovers.