Meerut Crocodile captured after two-hour operation released into Ganga

Meerut (UP), Apr 18 (PTI) After a crocodile was spotted on a road in Chamraud village late Friday night, a Forest Department team captured the reptile after a two-hour operation and released it into the Ganga, an official said on Saturday.
     The Forest Department's Range Officer of Hastinapur, Khushboo Upadhyay, said the team received information around midnight and rushed to the spot.
     By the time they arrived, the animal had hidden in nearby bushes, making the operation challenging.
     The team cleared the bushes and carried out the rescue cautiously, as the reptile was large and aggressive.
     After about two hours, it was successfully captured and released into the Ganga, she said.
     The crocodile, identified as a mugger (Crocodylus palustris), measured about 2.25 metres in length and weighed around 150 kg, she added.
     Upadhyay said crocodiles are typically found in rivers, ponds and marshy areas and may turn aggressive if they feel threatened.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)