Telangana Forest department officials rescued a crocodile that strayed into a residential area of Hayatnagar area early on Friday (Octobner 10, 2025).

Sharing the details, the Forest Range Officer of Hayatnagar, Sai Prakash, said calls were received at around 2.30 am about the crocodile being spotted by the residents at Taramathipet area. It being still dark, forest staff arriving at the location kept it under observation till dawn, when they undertook rescue operation.

“We sought support from the Nehru Zoological Park and our anti-poaching squad to capture the reptile. They caught it using nets,” Mr. Sai Prakash said.

The crocodile was a healthy male, 12-ft long and weighed 120-130 kilograms. The officials are uncertain about its home, but surmise that it must have strayed from a drain nearby which connects to the Musi river.

“During recent floods when Musi swelled, it must have entered the drain. Other than this, there is no plausible explanation,” Mr. Sai Prakash said. Musi waters are home to many crocodiles, which are often spotted roosting on the boulders by local residents. The rescued reptile has been shifted to the Nehru Zoological Park where it has been kept under observation.