Anand: A family in Gujarat‘s Anand district had a frightening experience after discovering a 7-foot crocodile inside the bathroom of their home late at night. The reptile was safely rescued by the forest department and released into a nearby pond after a nearly hour-long operation.
The incident occurred earlier this week at the residence of Balabhai Chauhan, whose family was asleep when the crocodile is believed to have entered the bathroom.
Dogs alert homeowner
According to officials, Balabhai Chauhan was awakened by the continuous barking of dogs outside his house during the night.
Curious about the disturbance, he went to inspect the bathroom, only to come face-to-face with the large crocodile.
The unexpected sight triggered panic among the family members, who immediately contacted the forest department for assistance.
Rescue operation lasts nearly an hour
A rescue team led by forest guards Nilesh Bharwad and Manish Prajapati reached the house soon after receiving the alert.
They were joined by Daya Foundation President Nitesh Chauhan and volunteer Tushar Rana.
After nearly an hour of careful efforts, the team successfully captured the crocodile without causing any harm to the animal or the residents.
The reptile was later released into a nearby pond.
Speaking after the rescue, Nitesh Chauhan said the team responded immediately after being informed and safely relocated the crocodile to its natural habitat.
Monsoon increases crocodile sightings
Forest department officials said crocodiles entering residential areas is a common occurrence during the monsoon season.
They explained that rising water levels in ponds, lakes and other water bodies often force crocodiles out of their natural habitats.
In search of food and suitable places to regulate their body temperature, the reptiles sometimes wander into nearby villages and residential neighbourhoods.
Nearby pond houses over 100 crocodiles
Officials said the pond at Malataj village, located near the affected area, is home to more than 100 crocodiles.
During periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, the reptiles are more likely to stray onto roads and into human settlements, increasing the risk of encounters with residents.
The forest department has been monitoring the area and responding to such incidents whenever they are reported.
Authorities issue safety advisory
Following the incident, the forest department urged residents living near water bodies to remain vigilant, particularly at night.
Officials advised people to avoid venturing out unnecessarily after dark, drive cautiously on roads near ponds and canals, and immediately inform the forest department if a crocodile is spotted.
Residents have also been warned not to approach, provoke or attempt to capture wild animals on their own, as doing so could endanger both humans and the animals.
The successful rescue ensured that neither the family nor the crocodile was harmed, while highlighting the increased need for caution in crocodile-prone areas during the monsoon season.