With rising incidents of wild animals falling into wells and pits near forest fringes, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Rajiv K. Srivastava has suggested that farmers and locals should come forward to close old wells and unused pits, here on Monday.

Speaking at a workshop at the Tamil Nadu Forest Academy, Srivastava said that mammals including Sambar deer, spotted deer, elephants and wild boars frequently fell into such pits.

“In most cases, animals die as people are unaware of their fall. Rescue operations too are delayed in some cases because of unavoidable reasons, for example, elephants surrounding the pit where another has fallen,” he said.

“People should raise high walls over wells or close unused pits near fringes as they not only attract big mammals but also small creatures whose existence is very essential for the sustenance of mankind,” he said.

About fifty persons attended the workshop.