Local residents said the trend of smugglers using ambush to kill protected animals is on the rise of late in Dogadi, Sengkhola and Sundhara, among other areas, “At least five protected animals are hunted down each day during Dashain and Tihar,” a local resident said.

When asked, Deputy Superintendent of Police Gautam Raj Kattel expressed ignorance about the issue.

Ujjwal Pun of Maikot, who frequently visits the area, said pe0ple come to the area annually as they can enjoy the hunting experience as well manage meat for the festival. He said locals kill only those animals such as Jharal, Ghoral and Ratuwa.