Surprise Ensues As Baby Crocodile Climbs Out of a Drain

The human residents of the Khairatabad area of Hyderabad in India were not the only ones to be disorientated by the recent heavy rainfall. A medium-sized crocodile found itself on a road opposite a drainage channel referred to locally as a nala. The reptile had tried to re-enter the water, but it got itself stuck between some metal rods and a wall. The presence of this potentially dangerous animal caused some concern amongst the local population. Soon the authorities arrived and it was rescued. According to news reports, the Forest Department anti-poaching squad relocated the stranded animal to a local zoo park.

What Is the Climate Normally Like in Hyderabad?

It is not unusual for Hyderabad to experience heavy rainfall at the end of September and the beginning of October. It has a tropical climate and the monsoon season there usually extends from June to October. During this time, humidity levels are high and the rain showers can be extremely heavy.

Do Crocodiles Normally Live in India?

Yes! India is home to three crocodile species. Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) are easy to spot because they have distinctive bulbs on the ends of their noses. They live in clear freshwater river systems and are often found in groups at river bends. Their numbers are threatened by egg collection, sand mining, and habitat loss.

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are the largest species of crocodiles on the planet. They live in coastal brackish waters so they are often seen in mangrove swamps and river deltas. Their numbers in India are threatened by illegal hunting and habitat loss.

Finally, the mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is also a native reptile species of India. They are also called the marsh crocodile and can be distinguished from other crocs by their broad snout. They are found in freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, and marshes. Their populations are being put under pressure by illegal poaching, egg collection, and habitat loss.

Do Crocodiles Attack Humans in India?

Crocodiles are large and powerful animals with a very strong bite and sharp teeth. They have the potential to injure a human and even kill them should they choose to do so. Sadly, fatal attacks by crocodiles on humans are recorded every year. The incidence of crocodile attacks on humans in India has been studied in the past. Research conducted in the Indian Sundarbans indicated that crocodile attacks are more common in the daytime than at night and the females were more likely to die from crocodile attacks than male victims. Between 2010 and 2020, there were 668 fatal attacks by Nile crocodiles and 171 fatal attacks by mugger crocs. The residents of Hyderabad who were concerned by the presence of this crocodile had every reason to feel nervous.