Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: An Indian golden jackal trapped for two days inside a 40-ft-deep open well in Pirkalya village, Jalna district, was safely rescued earlier this week.
Rescue Operation in Jalna
The Forest Department, with support from ManwithIndies Foundation, led the operation using specialised ropes and a custom-designed net.
Rescue head Ashish Joshi said locals first alerted authorities about the trapped animal. “The well was full of water, and the jackal managed to cling to a rock ledge to avoid drowning. When the rescue team arrived, it was visibly distressed,” he explained.
Teamwork and Patience in Action
Initial attempts with ropes and nets failed as the frightened jackal resisted entering. “We waited patiently until it realised the ropes and net were its way out. Finally, it climbed into the net, leading to a successful rescue,” Joshi added.
After being pulled out, a veterinary team examined the animal and found no major injuries. It was kept under observation before being released into its natural habitat.
Wells as Wildlife Death Traps
Officials warned that open wells remain a recurring hazard for wildlife, including leopards, jackals, and civets. They urged villagers to barricade or cover wells to prevent accidents.
The rescue team included Suraj Pankade, Dipak Watane, Shubham Salve, and forest guards Narayan Sodgir and Ganesh Nagargoje.
The Indian Golden Jackal
The species thrives across varied habitats, from scrublands and grasslands to agricultural fields. Indian golden jackals can grow up to 85 cm in length and feed on rodents, birds, insects, fruits, and carrion.
Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the jackal is listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN globally.
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