TUESDAY, JULY 09, 2024
Team Herald
VASCO: The Forest Department on Friday successfully captured a crocodile that had been spotted in the fields of Velsao. The reptile, sighted by village panchayat members on Thursday, had sparked panic throughout the village community.
Forest department staffers urged residents not to panic and strategically placed a cage with bait near the lake to trap the crocodile. By Friday morning, their efforts paid off, and the crocodile was safely captured.
MLA Anton Vas said that the crocodile had created panic in the village, and farmers were scared to go into the fields. “This was the first time a crocodile was spotted in Velsao, but there have been sightings in other parts of the Cortalim constituency. I urge people to immediately alert the department so they can safely rescue wild animals and ensure people can live without fear.”
Roquezinho D’Souza, president of the Pale Tole Xetkaranche Association and a social worker, also praised the Forest Department’s efforts. “The Forest Department has done a fantastic job by catching the crocodile before any disaster could occur. The villagers extended full support. The successful capture has brought much-needed peace to Velsao, allowing farmers to return to their fields without fear,” said D’Souza.
Croc over six feet long captured from fields in Nerul
CALANGUTE: A six-and-a-half-foot-long crocodile was rescued from fields at Nerul early on Friday morning. Locals who spotted the crocodile at around 7 am in the fields said it must have come up from the mangroves in the Nerul river. Panchayat members immediately informed the Forest Department, which promptly dispatched a rescue team. The team successfully trapped the crocodile at around 8 am and later transferred it to the Forest Department office at Campal, Panjim.
Relocation of crocodiles not the best solution, say experts
While crocodiles have been spotted in several places across Goa, wildlife experts say it is highly unlikely for even full-grown muggers to prey on humans, as they have access to an abundance of fish, turtle and other prey. “Most water bodies in Goa have crocodiles throughout the year; we just don’t see them as they camouflage themselves and hide from humans. During the rains, with water bodies flooding their banks, the crocs are forced to come out to bask in the sun, unfortunately in places where they are easily spotted,” said Benhail Antao, a reptile and wildlife rescuer.
Antao appealed to locals not to ‘rescue’ or ‘relocate’ crocodiles, stating, “Relocation is a terrible solution. A juvenile croc that knew where to find its food and shelter is now tied up, traumatised and stressed. It will be released into some water body far away from home, and will have to adjust to its new surroundings, with high chances of being torn apart by a territorial male or again, captured by humans,” he added.
Experts maintain that wild animals are more likely to attack when scared or disoriented, like they would be in a new, strange location.
