A 13.4 ft male crocodile gets rescued after it got trapped in a pit near an under-construction bridge in eastern India’s Odisha.

The rescue took place near an under-construction bridge under Mahakalpada range and inside Bhitarkanika National Park (BNP) in Kendrapara district on may 29.

Visuals showed a man pouring water on the crocodile with the help of a piper while the reptile slid down into the river.

According to reports, the ‘Baula’ crocodile was spotted by residents near a bridge construction site over the Gobari river in Itakandia village of Badihi panchayat, under Mahakalapada block. Upon receiving the alert, forest personnel swiftly arrived at the scene. Despite challenges, the team persevered for over an hour to rescue the crocodile. The reptile was found lying close to a wall of the bridge. This incident highlights the cooperation between locals and authorities in wildlife conservation efforts. Efforts like these ensure the safety of both wildlife and human populations in the area.

In local terminology, the term ‘Baula’ designates the saltwater crocodile. Saltwater crocodile eggs collected from the area have been nurtured in Dangamal within the sanctuary, leading to the emergence of hatchlings released into creeks and estuaries. Over the course of phased efforts since 1977, more than 2,200 crocodiles have been released into their natural habitat.