Rare sambar deer killed in Kranji Expressway accident

Chiew said she tried to steer oncoming traffic away from the injured deer using her phone’s flashlight, and was assisted by a motorist, as well as an elderly couple.

By around 9pm, when emergency workers arrived and told her she could leave the scene, the deer appeared to have died, she said.

In a media reply on Sept 1, How Choon Beng, NParks’ group director of wildlife management, said that the deer was found dead when the NParks team arrived on site, and its carcass has since been removed.

The driver was not injured, while the vehicle sustained some damage.

“Motorists should drive within speed limits and be alert to animals crossing when driving along roads flanked by forested areas, especially where there are signs to indicate animal crossings,” How said.

How added that the public should not handle injured wild animals on their own.

Sambar deer are listed as vulnerable – threatened with extinction – in the International Union for Conservation of Nature database.

An NParks study in 2021 estimated that there were about 15 sambar deer in Singapore and a 2023 study estimated the animal’s numbers to be growing in various forested areas.

Chiew said she hoped signs could be put up along the stretch of road warning motorists to slow down, given deer sightings in the area are frequent.

To report wildlife that needs rescue, call NParks at 1800-476-1600.