20-foot croc caught in Agusan

DAVAO CITY ,Philippines  – A 20-foot female crocodile was caught in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur Saturday night, after months of efforts by several groups, including the municipal government and the Palawan-based Crocodile Farming Institute.

Philip Dizon, proprietor of the Davao Crocodile Farm, said the crocodile is considered to be the largest ever caught in the country.

Dizon said a number of his personnel also helped capture the crocodile, which is now placed inside a pen.

Bunawan town Mayor Edwin Elorde and Agusan del Sur provincial board member Toto Elorde said it took at least 21 nights before the crocodile was caught in a trap they had set up.

But Dizon said the planning took several months and was finally carried out when the crocodile killed a carabao last month. Since several incidents have already been recorded in the area that these crocodiles are preying on carabaos.

The Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources gave the go-signal for the setting up of traps following several incidents of crocodiles preying on carabaos.

The PAWD, however, reminded those hunting the crocodiles not to harm them, as they needed to be protected.

Dizon said a male crocodile is still on the loose and local folk have been asked not to get near the water.