A freshwater crocodile hatchling has been rescued after it was spotted wandering into a shop in Puducherry, India.

In order to rescue the reptile, the local Forest Department had placed a cage into a drain with chicken as bait.

The hatchling was eventually caught in the early hours of November 21 and brought to a rescue centre.

A conservator at the rescue centre said the crocodile is a juvenile mugger crocodile and it will be observed before a call will be made on its rehabilitation.

A freshwater crocodile that was sighted in Uppar Canal a day ago was rescued by the Forest Department on November 21

The crocodile was first spotted by a person working in a shop. It then disappeared from the place after being in the vicinity for sometime.

the forest department had placed a cage in the drain with chicken as bait to trap it.

Forest department cautioned public, since freshwater crocodiles are known to attack humans, People should refrain from entering the water until the animal is captured. Residents were advised not to engage the animal on their own.

the reptile fell for the bait in the wee hours of tuesday. The crocodile was brought to the rescue centre of the Forest Department. It is a juvenile mugger (freshwater crocodile). We will observe it for some more time before taking a call on its rehabilitation,” Conservator of Forest said

Rehabilitation of the reptile would be done in consultation with the government as there are no natural habitats for the creature in Puducherry. Releasing a juvenile to a new natural crocodile habitat elsewhere holds its own risk for its survival