Apparently crocs like to warm up a little by sunbathing on the beach just like us. And whilst there’s enough leathery-skinned humans around to make the traveller feel quite at home, I bet it didn’t have to pay B250 for a sun lounger.
Our intrepid reptile has been reaping havoc for the authorities, and seemed to be enjoying the game of cat and mouse as it disappeared and remerged along our coastline to foil the ‘protection and surveillance’ capture efforts for so long.
And finally, last Sunday (July 29) after an 11-day search, the elusive beast was captured. Well it certainly took a while, and a more proactive approach may need to be considered for future situations of this nature.
We’ve all been intrigued by where our saltwater celebrity came from. Experts have informed us that this variety can be found around Myanmar or Sumatra, and whilst they can cover great distances in search of food, it’s a difficult journey. They should try getting through immigration.
The other possibility is that it is an escapee from a local farm or other feeding place. This is apparently more likely as they are hybrids of both fresh water and saltwater, and don’t have quite so far to travel.
The authorities had been setting steel cage traps and chicken bait, but these appeared not to be to our friend’s taste. Phuket Vice Governor Thawornwat Kongkaew informed us that “This is the best way to catch the crocodile and to maintain the image of tourism in Phuket”. With all the recent events Phuket tourism is indeed in desperate need of some positive PR, so the caged animal could just do the trick.
Even an appearance from Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong early last week didn’t lure the beast for a handy publicity shot. Nope, our croc had other interests on the agenda.
But rest easy everyone, the reprobate reptile has been caught, the drama is over. But here’s a plan should a sequel be in the offing.
The Department of Fisheries measured the croc to be about 2.3 metres long, and it was finally caught by net and hand. Really? So why the big fuss?
Next time let’s just all head down to our local beach with an unwanted pet or relative, a net, some chain mail gloves and solve this slippery shenanigans before it literally gets out of hand.