Police hunt killer crocodile

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Police officers and at least four animal wranglers have been deployed to catch a killer crocodile that has attacked and killed several villagers in Sangkimah subdistrict, East Kutai regency.

The police said at least six residents of Sangkimah had been killed by crocodiles over the past five years.

The latest victim was identified as Puang Lewa, whose head was discovered on Feb. 20 some 400 meters from his home.

"We are searching for the crocodile to prevent more deaths. We have four animal wranglers searching the Sangkimah River," Sangatta Police chief Adj. Comr. Yustan Alpiani said on Monday.

One of the wranglers, Kaseng, said he thought the killer crocodile was about seven meters long and attacked its victims at night.

"A crocodile is basically afraid of people, but it will attack if surprised," he added.

The crocodile attacks are believed to be the result of destruction of mangrove forests near Sangkimah, were the crocodiles used to live and breed.

Now the area is home to hectares of fish ponds that have been cultivated by local residents since the 1997 economic crisis. --Antara