For every being of the forests, open wells across rural Maharashtra continue to trap wildlife — prompting urgent rescue efforts and long-term conservation solutions. Wildlife SOS has been in forefront saving precious wild lives.
Across the landscapes of Maharashtra, particularly in areas where farmlands meet forest boundaries, open wells are becoming a common sight. Built to provide water for local communities and agricultural use, these deep structures support rural livelihoods. However, for wildlife moving through these shared spaces, especially during dark hours, such wells can become dangerous traps.
Open wells to wildlife are invisible gaping holes. Many animals while searching for food, water, or new territories often accidentally fall in their deep dark waters! Being more than many feet deep with vertical walls, these wells are almost impossible for an animal to escape from once it is inside it.
Over the years, the rescue team from Wildlife SOS’s Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) has responded to many such emergencies across the regions of Maharashtra. Recent rescues of three crucial species sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), golden jackal (Canis aureus) and Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) — reveal just how serious the problem of unprotected open wells can be. Coordinated rescue efforts are helping precious animals that fall into these hidden hazards return safely to the wild.
A Sambar Deer’s Narrow Escape
In Alme village of Maharashtra, the year 2026 began with the rescue of an adult male sambar deer that had accidentally fallen into an open well as deep as 40 feet! The incident came to light when the forest department received information about the trapped animal in the early hours of morning.
When the Wildlife SOS rescue team arrived at the site, they found the deer standing precariously on a narrow stone ledge inside the well. The fall had left the animal traumatised, and attempts to escape had left it exhausted.
Considering the immense depth of the well, a detailed rescue strategy was developed. Ropes and nets were launched into the well to carefully lift the animal out, ensuring that the deer remained calm and unharmed. The operation lasted nearly four hours, with all efforts bringing in a successful result.
After the rescue, the sambar deer was examined and was found to have only minor abrasions likely caused during the fall. Treatment was given to these wounds and the deer was kept under constant observation. Once veterinarians confirmed that the animal was stable, the deer was safely released back into its natural habitat.
A Jackal’s Call for Rescue
It was in the month of March when residents of the Khadkumbe village near Junnar heard an unusual cry coming from inside an open well. When they looked down in it, they discovered an utterly scared golden jackal trapped nearly 15 feet below ground level. It was clear that she needed immediate help.
After being alerted by local residents, a joint rescue team of Wildlife SOS and forest department immediately arrived at the site and set up equipment to rescue the jackal safely. The operation required patience and coordination, as rescuers worked carefully to minimise stress on the animal during extrication.
After about one and a half hours of extensive effort, the jackal was successfully lifted out of the well and taken for medical assessment.
A detailed veterinary check confirmed that the jackal had not sustained serious injuries. Found fit, she was released back into a nearby natural habitat the same day.
A Leopard Rescued in the Dark
The month of March ended with another crucial rescue. In Khanapur village within the Junnar forest range, villagers were shocked one night to discover a young female leopard inside a water-filled well nearly 35 feet deep. The leopard was fighting to stay afloat by clinging on to a mere wire she had found hanging.
The forest department immediately alerted the Wildlife SOS’s rescue team, which soon arrived to begin an intensive operation. But this rescue operation had an added challenge. It was taking place in complete darkness. The team took mindful steps to ensure it is carried out quickly yet safely, without adding any stress to the animal. A rescue cage was gently lowered into the well.
The leopard remained alert and cautious as the unfamiliar structure was being lowered into the water. It took her some time to enter the rescue cage, and once she was in it, the team slowly lifted her out of the well. As a precaution, the animal was transported to the Wildlife SOS’s Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre for veterinary observation before being released back into the wild.
Preventing Accidents Before They Happen
While rescue operations save lives, preventing such incidents from taking place remains the most effective solution.
To address this crucial and recurring problem, Wildlife SOS has launched the Open Wells Conservation Project, for which it works with the Maharashtra Forest Department and local communities to cover open wells located in wildlife movement corridors. This initiative, launched in 2022, is guided by extensive field observations and focuses on identifying high-risk wells, where repeated rescue incidents have been recorded. One such well is the very same one where the golden jackal was rescued from in March this year, and has been successfully covered by Wildlife SOS to put an end to accidents.
While these open wells may be a threat to wildlife, they significantly serve locals living nearby to meet their daily needs and agricultural requirements. The project therefore keeps in mind to benefit one side without ignoring the significant other. Therefore, a holistic approach is taken to protect wildlife and allow the people access to the well at the same time. The protective coverings have been designed and installed using durable materials such as iron frameworks and mesh structures that have proved successful in preventing animals from accidentally falling in, while retaining availability of water for local communities at the same time.
Local communities play an important role in this effort. They report these kinds of emergencies, assist rescue teams in crowd management and support conservation measures. Their inputs are well considered during the design and placement of these coverings to ensure that the structures remain practical for everyday use and effectively reduce risks for wildlife.
Making Rural Landscapes Safer for Wildlife: Conservation and Coexistence Redefined
As human settlements continue to expand into wildlife habitats, unexpected encounters between people and animals are increasing.
Efforts such as covering open wells demonstrate how practical collaborative solutions can reduce risks for both wildlife and communities. Each well that is covered and secured eradicates the risk it poses to wildlife, making it safer for the animals to move freely and fearlessly.
With every rescue effort and preventive action, chances of moving through these landscapes significantly improve for animals that live to see another day.
We urge you to help Wildlife SOS in continuing its mission to protect India’s big cats by contributing towards our conservation projects. Each contribution goes towards safeguarding precious wildlife.
Feature Image: Akash Dolas/ Wildlife SOS
