Weaver Rescues Trapped Civet Cat in Indian Village

When Sankara walked out to check his chickens one Saturday morning, he found an unexpected visitor: a young civet cat, trapped but unharmed after sneaking into the coop overnight.

The 45-year-old weaver from Pichalavandlapalle village near Horsley Hills knew he had to act quickly. After a friend reminded him that keeping an endangered wild animal could bring serious legal trouble, Sankara carefully released the civet into the nearby forest.

The story could have ended there, but photos of the trapped animal spread across social media and caught the attention of the Forest Department. When officials showed up to investigate, Sankara worried he might face charges despite doing the right thing.

Forest Range Officer G. Jayapradada Rao put those fears to rest after a thorough inquiry. "The version given by the weaver appears convincing," he confirmed. "There is absolutely no scope for any poaching attempt in this incident."

The civet cat, locally known as the toddy cat, holds deep cultural meaning in the Rayalaseema region. An oil produced by the animal's sweat glands plays a role in rituals at the famous Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala, connecting the creature to local spiritual traditions.

The Ripple Effect

Officer Rao shared encouraging news about the broader picture. Civet cat sightings have become more frequent in recent years around villages bordering the Horsley Hills forests, suggesting these once-rare animals are making a comeback in the region.

The increase in wildlife encounters reflects healthier forest ecosystems and growing animal populations. When predators like civet cats return to an area, it signals that their prey and habitat are thriving too.

Sankara's quick thinking and compassion turned a tricky situation into a conservation win, protecting both himself and an animal that's been woven into local culture for generations.