The Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Odisha, has asked people not to take selfies and photographs with wild animals as it violates provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Taking note of instances where people post photographs/ selfies with scheduled wild animals on social media, the PCCF and the Chief Wildlife Warden on Friday stated that such an act disturbs the normal lifecycle of the animals.

Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, a person is liable for punishment with imprisonment up to seven years. Moreover, pictures and selfies with dead wild animals or wild animal body parts are also being posted on various social media platforms which is a violation under Section 39 (I) (a), section 39 (2), and (3) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

In a letter to all Divisional Forest Officers, Deputy Director, Similipal North/South (Wildlife), and Deputy Director of Nandankanan Zoo, the senior official has asked to raise awareness among people to refrain from any such activities. Further, everybody should abide by the laws and those keen to click pictures should take permission from forest officials.

“Helpline numbers may be displayed at prominent places and on social media to facilitate sharing of information from persons wanting to help the cause of wildlife. But unscrupulous elements trying to gain fame by violating the laws should be taken to task and you need to make them more famous (sic) by arresting and forwarding them to the court of law,” the letter read.