Mahakalpada: A 13.4 ft male crocodile got trapped in a pit today morning near an under-construction bridge under Mahakalpada range and inside Bhitarkanika National Park (BNP) in Kendrapara district. However, a team of forest personnel later rescued the crocodile after striving for more than an hour.

According to a source, some locals spotted the ‘Baula’ crocodile at Itakandia village of Badihi panchayat under Mahakalpada block, while it was lying near a wall of the bridge. The bridge is being constructed on Gobari river in the district. The locals immediately informed forest personnel.

“Perhaps, the crocodile was swept up to the spot by a tidal wave in Gobari river. But, the reptile could not return after the tide receded. It got trapped in mud,” the residents of Itakandia said.

Meanwhile, through a tweet, PCCF (wildlife) praised the efforts of the green soldiers in the field.

Worth mentioning, ‘Baula’ refers to the saltwater crocodile in local parlance. Locally collected saltwater crocodile eggs have been incubated in Dangamal of the sanctuary resulting in the release of hatchlings into creeks and estuaries. More than 2,200 crocodiles have been released in phases, since 1977.

This endeavor witnessed considerable success, contributing to the gradual rise in the crocodile population within the Bhitarkanika river system. Over 50 released female saltwater crocodiles have successfully laid eggs in the wild and bred as well, a senior forest official informed.