On Nov. 20, reader Sachchidanand Swami sent Plastic Pollution Coalition this photo of deer eating plastic garbage on the campus of an educational institute in Chennai, India. Only three days later, one deer was found dead.

“Its stomach was found full of plastic carry-bags and trash,” said Swami. “A few days after, another dear was found dead due to same.”

Forest officials said the plastic choked the animals to death.

The death of two deer indicates a larger problem in the area. Faculty, students, and even visitors are illegally dumping garbage in the woods on campus. In 2004, volunteers started a zero waste initiative called OWZONE to collect and separate trash, but there is little to penalize violators and the dumping has continued.

Monkeys in the area know not to eat the plastic bags, but deer do not, a volunteer from OWZONE told the Times of India.

Globally over 260 species of animals, including mammals, have been reported to ingest or become entangled in plastic debris. This often results in impaired movement and feeding, reduced reproductive output, lacerations, ulcers, and death.

Swami hopes the photo of the deer will create awareness and help others reduce their waste in India and around the world.

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