Elusive crocodile caught from pond near Mayiladuthurai

Trichy: The forest department has captured a seven-foot-long crocodile that had been terrorizing villagers near Mayiladuthurai for nearly a year. The reptile was caught in the net set up by the department on Wednesday night.The crocodile was frequently seen in a pond called ‘Ayyanaar Kulam' located in Kunnam village near Sirkazhi in Mayiladuthurai district. According to the villagers, the reptile had preyed on and eaten several of their goats and chickens.Spanning around two acres, the pond plays a vital role in recharging and protecting groundwater in the village. Locals have been regularly using it to water their livestock.Concerned for their safety and livelihoods, the villagers urged the forest department to capture the crocodile.Acting on the request, forest department personnel, led by Sirkazhi range officer B Ayub Khan and under the directions of Mayiladuthurai district forest officer S Ganesalingam, set up pouch nets baited with chicken meat at about 15 locations around the pond.On Wednesday around 9.30pm, the crocodile was trapped in one of the nets. Department personnel, with help from local reptile expert Pandiyan, safely subdued and secured the reptile.The crocodile measured approximately seven feet in length and weighed around 50kg. It was loaded onto the bed of a mini truck and released into a suitable habitat in the Kollidam river near Anaikarai in Thanjavur district around 1am.