Mugger crocodile found on Chennai roadside rescued

The adult mugger crocodile that was spotted crossing the Perungalathur-Nedungundram road about 10 days ago has been captured today by the wildlifeofficials. @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/qKC37nJ7Iq

— Janardhan Koushik (@koushiktweets) December 13, 2023

“The crocodile is an adult measuring about six feet. Our officials were monitoring its movement… We are yet to ascertain its gender. We will check whether it has sustained any injuries. Moreover, we are not going to leave it immediately into the area with other crocodiles as they will fight with each other. The animal will be under observation for a period,” an official from the Tamil Nadu Wildlife Crime Control Bureau told indianexpress.com

He added that these kinds of crocodiles are found in the marshes, lakes, and artificial ponds and for basking in the sun it comes out of the water body but very rarely they are spotted in roads or areas where there is continuous public movement.

Last week, during the heavy rain in Chennai and its neighbouring areas in the aftermath of Cyclone Michauang, the crocodile was spotted crossing the Perungalathur-Nedungundram road.

A person on a two-wheeler was seen stopping his vehicle after spotting the crocodile and the incident was recorded by a person coming behind him in a car.

The incident was shared widely on social media and Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary, environment, climate change and forests, said there are a few mugger crocodiles in several water bodies in the city and the particular crocodile has come out due to rains and there is no harm if it is not provoked.