Haridwar, Oct. 26 -- Forest department teams in Haridwar rescued a total of 936 wild animals during this year's monsoon season, according to data from the divisional forest office. From snakes and pythons to crocodiles and rare birds, the forest department's quick response teams carried out numerous rescue operations till the first week of October, ensuring the safety of both wildlife and humans. Of the total rescues, 409 were snakes, which were later released into the dense forests as the monsoon extended into late September and early October. In the past five years, the forest department has rescued more than 7,500 wild animals, including leopards, tortoises, nilgai, monkeys, and monitor lizards, officials said. "Whenever we receive information about the sighting of a wild animal, our quick response teams and forest staff immediately reach the spot to carry out trap-and-rescue operations. People are also becoming more aware and are informing us promptly. Last year, around 800 wild animals were rescued, while this year the number has crossed 900," explained Haridwar forest range officer Shailendra Singh Negi. Wildlife experts attribute the increase in rescue operations to rising infrastructure activities, global warming, and an extended monsoon season, which have pushed animals closer to human settlements....