Updated: December 9, 2020 1:30:14 pm
The reptile was released into the Chalakkudy River, near the base of the popular Athirappilly Falls. (Source: Forest Department)
A family residing near the Chalakkudy River in Athirappally, Kerala, were horrified to find an adult crocodile lounging on the terrace of their home early Wednesday morning.
Thachiyath Shajan opened the doors of his home in his usual morning stupor around 5 a.m. Wednesday to find the reptile on his deck. Terrified, he ran back inside and called his neighbors and forest department officials.
The first rescue efforts began with locals trying to lure the reptile out of the house by prodding it with a pipe. But the crocodile was in no mood to give in and settled under a sofa on the veranda. Images taken by locals on their phones show the crocodile resisting attempts by the public to aggressively relocate it.
It took a combined team of forest officials and locals more than two hours to finally secure the crocodile with ropes and carry it to the river for release. The reptile was released into the Chalakkudy River near the base of the popular Athirappilly Falls, a region known for crocodile and alligator sightings. In fact, the forestry authorities have repeatedly warned tourists not to bathe in the river in that area due to the threat from crocodiles.
T Ajikumar, Range Forestry Officer, Charpa Range, told The Indian Express: “The crocodile was between 2.5 and 3 meters long. You may have accidentally entered the house because it is located near the river. In recent days, tourists have reported seeing them even on the main road, especially at night. “
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