In a compelling two-day mission, a wild bison that had ventured into a residential area near the Kottiyur range in Kannur, Kerala, was successfully captured through chemical immobilization and safely released into the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.
The majestic animal was first sighted by concerned locals in Kiliyangad on Thursday evening, seen wandering along the Kiliyangad-Mettadi road before settling into a patch of forest land designated for the KINFRA park at Veliyamparam. Given that the nearest natural forest was over 15 kilometers away, authorities wisely decided against attempting to simply herd the bison back, acknowledging the significant risks this posed to both the animal and the local residents.
Following swift approval from the Chief Wildlife Warden, a comprehensive joint operation was launched on Friday afternoon. This multi-agency effort involved dedicated staff from three ranges of the Kannur Division, skilled personnel from the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, a rapid response team, and expert veterinary professionals. Although dwindling light forced a temporary halt to the capture efforts, Forest Department teams maintained a vigilant overnight patrol, diligently tracking the bison’s movements.
The following day, Saturday, the teams successfully pinpointed the animal’s location in the Nayaattupara area. Under careful supervision, veterinary surgeons Ilyas Rawuthar and Muhammed Sibin administered a tranquilizer, safely immobilizing the bison. It was then securely transported in a specially designed vehicle to the sanctuary. After a thorough medical examination to ensure its well-being, the bison was joyfully released back into its natural habitat within the forest, concluding a tense but ultimately successful rescue.