Predator and prey fall into well, rescued and set free

Sagaya Fernando

5 February 2025

 

After coming together in an awkward situation a predator – tiger, and its prey – a wild boar, both of whom fell into a farmer’s well, demonstrated remarkable restraint in the face of adversity.

 

On February 4 morning, residents of Pipariya Harduli village, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh came across the tiger and wild boar struggling to stay afloat in the well.

 

The village is located in the buffer zone of Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Seoni district.

 

“We received a call at around 9.15 am from the villagers and rushed to the spot immediately,” said Forest Officer Sharik Khan.

 

“The well lacked a parapet wall. The wild boar had fallen first while attempting to escape the tiger. In pursuit, the tiger too fell into the well,” said the forest official.

 

Local farmer Kishor Bhalavi spotted the animals struggling to stay afloat in the deep water, and alerted other residents of the village.

 

“After arriving at the spot, we first barricaded the area so that there was no crowding of the villagers around. A hydraulic crane was brought to the well so that a cage could be lowered to rescue the animals. First a charpoy (traditional cot) was lowered, and both the animals which were exhausted by then tried to clamber on to it. At the same time, a cage was also lowered and the tiger was coaxed into it, after which the door of the cage was shut and the tiger was brought out. Meanwhile, the wild boar which had climbed on to the cot was also pulled out,” said Forester Khan.

 

He added, “The rescue operation was led by PTR Deputy Director (Buffer) Rajanish Singh.”

 

The rescue operation lasted two hours, as the rescuers had to first create a path for the hydraulic lift to reach the well area. After the rescue, the tiger was released in the Tiger Reserve, and the wild boar was released into the nearby jungle.