KANYAKUMARI: A massive crocodile weighing around 300 kg, which had caused concern among residents in the Kothayar region for more than seven months, has finally been captured by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
The crocodile was trapped at Kothayar near Thirparappu in Kanyakumari district following a special operation by a forest department team. The animal was caught in a net installed near the Nilakkal river route, bringing an end to months of efforts to capture it.
News of the capture quickly drew a large crowd to the area, with several local residents gathering to see the crocodile that had remained a source of concern for months.
The presence of the crocodile in Kothayar was first noticed by local residents around seven months ago. Residents had also recorded visuals of the animal, following which the Forest Department began a series of measures to capture it.
As part of the operation, a special team from Chennai was brought to the area. Officials attempted to lure the crocodile using bait, including chicken and goat, and set up traps at different locations. However, several attempts failed as the crocodile repeatedly managed to evade the traps and quickly move away through the water.
The operation was subsequently intensified after the special team conducted detailed inspections of the area. Officials monitored the crocodile’s movement patterns and identified locations it frequently visited before installing nets at strategic points.
The strategy eventually succeeded. The crocodile became trapped in one of the nets installed along its movement route.
Forest Department personnel then used additional nets to safely bring the animal to the riverbank. It was subsequently transported to the Forest Department office at Zero Point.
The crocodile’s presence in Kothayar for more than seven months had caused considerable concern among residents, prompting sustained efforts by forest officials to capture the animal without causing harm.
After months of tracking, failed trapping attempts and detailed monitoring, the successful capture has brought relief to residents in the area.
