JOHOR BARU: Wildlife officers have cautioned residents of a Batu Pahat village about the crocodile mating season, following the capture of three reptiles over the past week.
“We believe that it is now the mating season for crocodiles.
“Normally, crocodiles will come up to the land near riverbanks to make their nest before laying their eggs. Female crocodiles are quite aggressive and protective of their eggs,” said Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Aminuddin Jamin.
As such, the public should not provoke these crocodiles.
Kampung Parit Gantong in Batu Pahat has seen three cases of crocodiles being caught last week.
According to a report, the first reptile was spotted last Wednesday. It weighed 400kg and was caught by firefighters with the help of villagers. The three captured crocodiles have been relocated to a site far from humans.
Aminuddin, when contacted yesterday, said the area around the village is known to be crocodile-infested due to its proximity to Sungai Batu Pahat.
“The crocodile that was captured last Wednesday was found some 200m away from Sungai Batu Pahat. It was caught not far from its nest. We believe that it was protecting its eggs,” he said.
In view of the mating season, he said there is a possibility that there will be more sightings.
Aminuddin said the villagers and fishermen in particular should be cautious when they are on the riverbank.
“Crocodile attacks on humans is rare in Johor but it does not mean that the people should take things lightly,” he said.
Perhilitan is monitoring the village and nearby areas along Sungai Batu Pahat.
Those who see crocodiles are urged to contact the authorities, including Perhilitan.
