Police hunt killer crocodile

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