At least two spotted deer have reportedly died on the campus of IIT Madras in the last 10 days after consuming disposed plastic.

In a report for the Times of India, Oppili P reported that on November 23, a deer was found dead near MOH Quarters with the stomach open, that was filled with plastic.

The carcass was later buried in the campus.

Speaking to TOI, a local said that several residents who lives allegedly dump unsegregated garbage in the woods where it attracts deer.

This comes around a month after five blackbuck fawns were found dead on the campus in October alone.

However, wildlife authorities confirmed that the deaths were caused by jackals, or wild dogs.

It was reported at the time, that the animals were weakened by inadequate food, and eating plastic. 

As of 2014, the institute's annual animal census found 34 blackbucks, 238 bonnet macaque and 403 chital deer on campus.