6-Foot-Long Crocodile Rescued from Odisha Village, Released into Wild

A six-foot-long female saltwater crocodile that had strayed into a village pond near Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district was safely rescued and released into the wild on Sunday, forest officials confirmed.

The reptile had been spotted roaming around Endalapur village for more than two weeks, prompting local residents to alert forest authorities. A rescue team from the Forest Department was dispatched, and the crocodile was successfully captured following a two-hour-long operation.

“We managed to net and rope the animal without any harm to people or domestic animals,” said Chittaranjan Beura, forest range officer of Bhitarkanika National Park. “The crocodile was later released safely into its natural habitat.”

Officials suspect the reptile may have wandered out of the nearby water bodies connected to the park, which is known for its large population of saltwater crocodiles. The Forest Department has advised villagers to stay alert and report any future sightings immediately to ensure safety and conservation efforts.