Crocodile captured from farm pond near Coimbatore, released into Bhavanisagar reservoir

Forest Dept. captures crocodile in Coimbatore after 15-hr operation. Farmer alerted Dept. after spotting it in his pond. Water was pumped out & a cage was brought to tie knot around snout & cover eyes. Crocodile was released in Koothamandi area of Bhavanisagar reservoir. No missing pet/livestock complaints.

In an operation that lasted over 15 hours, the Forest Department on Monday captured a crocodile that was spotted in a farm pond at Sirumugai in Coimbatore district on Monday.

The crocodile was seen in a pond belonging to Thirumoorthy, a farmer at Indira Nagar, Sirumugai on Monday morning.

After being alerted by the farmer, Forest Department staff rushed to the spot and confirmed the crocodile’s presence.

Around 9 a.m., the department team, after obtaining consent from higher officials, began an operation to capture and relocate the crocodile. Water was pumped out from the 20-feet-pond using a motor, and a cage brought to the location.

“As the water receded, the staff managed to tie a knot around its snout and covered its eyes. It was carefully drawn into the cage and taken to Koothamandi area of Bhavanisagar reservoir where it was released around 11 p.m.” said K. Manoj, forest range officer, Sirumugai.

According to the official, the pond from which the crocodile was captured is located around 2 km away from the reservoir. The crocodile is believed to have strayed into the village from the reservoir. However, the Department has received no complaints of missing pet animals or livestock due to the crocodile’s presence in the pond, he added.