24 Crocodiles Rescued Amid Heavy Rain in Gujarat's Vadodara

A total of 24 crocodiles were rescued between August 27 and 29 from residential areas in Vadodara, Gujarat, due to heavy rains causing the Vishwamitri river's water level to rise. Forest officials also rescued 75 other animals. No incidents of crocodile-human conflict were reported.

A total of 24 crocodiles were rescued from residential areas in Gujarat's Vadodara following heavy rains between August 27 and 29, which caused the Vishwamitri river level to surge, according to a forest department official.

The Vishwamitri river, home to 440 crocodiles, often sees these reptiles move into residential zones when flooding occurs due to water releases from the Ajwa dam, said Vadodara Range Forest Officer Karansinh Rajput.

''In addition to the 24 crocodiles, we rescued 75 other animals, including snakes, cobras, five large turtles, and a porcupine over three days. Many residential areas are close to the river,'' Rajput stated.

''The smallest crocodile was two feet long, while the largest, caught on Thursday from Kamnath Nagar, was 14 feet long. Residents alerted us about this huge crocodile. Two other 11-foot-long crocodiles were also rescued on Thursday from EME Circle and near MS University's Zoology Department,'' he continued.

No incidents of crocodile-human conflict occurred during this period of heavy rains, Rajput added.

''Usually, crocodiles don't attack humans. They feed on fish and animal carcasses in the river. Occasionally, they prey on small animals like dogs or pigs, and a recent video of such an encounter went viral,'' Rajput explained.

Now that the Vishwamitri's water level has dropped significantly, the rescued crocodiles and other reptiles will be released back into the river, he said.

(With inputs from agencies.)