'Uncovered' wells turn death trap for animals in Nilgiris forest region

OPEN wells and uncovered water tanks in the surrounding areas of Kotagiri forest range in the Nilgiris forest division are posing a hazard to wildlife, as there have been instances of animals accidentally falling into these wells, and then struggling to survive.

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On January 18, two sloth bears had fallen into an open well (ground level) owned by Jackanarai panchayat near Kotagiri. According to sources, the sloth bears (a mother and a subadult) had spent close to three hours inside the well. The forest officials had to use ladders to rescue the bears. Sources added that the animals could have died in the well, had there been more water in the well.