TAWAU: A young mangrove civet, a protected and endangered species, was safely rescued by the Civil Defence Force (APM) after it wandered into a residential area in Kampung Budaya Pasir Putih on Friday.
The nine-month-old civet is believed to have strayed from its mangrove habitat while searching for food before being spotted behind a resident’s house.
A five-member APM Tawau team led by SM (PA) Norhaya Suardi arrived at 4.37pm and completed the operation within minutes after finding the animal hiding under a staircase.
Resident Siti Fatimah Madung said she discovered the civet while hanging laundry and contacted local community leader Kasruniyaty Rully before calling the emergency line for help.
The civet was later taken to the Tawau District Civil Defence Office for safekeeping, while residents were reminded not to approach or disturb wild animals.